Shimada Wins Skate Canada Grand Prix Debut

Japan’s Mao Shimada won the women’s title at Skate Canada International in Kelowna, earning 235.44 points after leading throughout the event. The 18-year-old four-time reigning world junior champion scored 153.33 in the free skate to finish ahead of Estonia’s Niina Petrokina (221.07) and American Isabeau Levito (212.22). It was Shimada’s first Grand Prix Series victory, and she said she was pleased to finish her skate smiling while acknowledging she wants to improve her speed and performance as she moves into senior competition. Canada’s Madeline Schizas was the top home competitor, placing eighth.