Only 13 months removed from reconstructive surgery on his right knee, Daisuke Takahashi took another major step in his comeback by seizing the lead after the short program at the Grand Prix Final on Friday night.
Skating before a capacity crowd at Tokyo's Yoyogi National Gymnasium, Takahashi performed an inspired routine to Coba's "Eye" and landed all four of his triple jumps cleanly. His season-best score of 89.95 points gave him a narrow lead over American Evan Lysacek (89.85).
Nobunari Oda, winner of two Grand Prix events this season, is in third place at 87.65 heading into Saturday's free skate.