In many ways, the triple axel has come to define Mao Asada. On Saturday night, it meant the difference between first place and second.
The two-time world champion doubled her planned opening triple axel in the free skate, losing precious points, and ended up placing second by less than two points to compatriot Akiko Suzuki at the NHK Trophy.
Suzuki was solid but not spectacular in a free skate that saw her botch a pair of combination jumps, but her eight-point advantage over Mao in Friday's short program helped her hold on for the victory at Makomanai Arena.