FIGURE SKATING/ Asada wins Cup of Russia

November 26, 2011

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

MOSCOW -- Mao Asada overcame two errors in her free skate to win the Cup of Russia over Alena Leonova of Russia on Nov. 26 and qualify for the ISU Grand Prix final for the first time in three years.

Asada was leading the Russian by less than half a point after the Nov. 25 short program in the last of the season's six Grand Prix competitions.

The two-time world champion from Japan double-footed a triple axel and reduced her triple combination to just a triple Salchow jump. Asada got 118.96 points for the free program and totaled 183.25 to beat second-place Leonova by 2.8 points. Leonova also reduced her combination and fell on a double axel.

Russian teen Adelina Sotnikova was third overall for her second Grand Prix podium this season.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Mao Asada performs in the women's free skate at the Cup of Russia on Nov. 26. (AP)

Mao Asada performs in the women's free skate at the Cup of Russia on Nov. 26. (AP)

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  • Mao Asada performs in the women's free skate at the Cup of Russia on Nov. 26. (AP)