Ando claims victory

The 2007 world champion opted not to attempt her double axel-triple toeloop but her programme, that featured a double-double instead, took her to the top of the leaderboard with 172.21 points.

Fellow Japanese skater Akiko Suzuki was second with 162.86 points ahead of Alena Leonova of Russia with 148.61 points. American Mirai Nagasu, who led after Friday's short programme dropped to fourth after falling while attempting a triple flip, double toeloop.

Japan also took the honours in the men's competition as Takahiko Kozuka recorded the second Grand Prix success of his career as he consolidated his lead from the short programme.

Kozuka, who won Skate America in 2008, earned a total of 233.51 points despite a minor blip on his quad toeloop opener when his hand brushed the ice.

Brand Mroz of the United States climbed two places to take silver with 216.80 points ahead of Tomas Verner of the Czech Republic while Brian Joubert slipped from his overnight second down to fourth.

French pair Nathalie Pechalat and Fabian Bourzat won their first Grand Prix event in the ice dance.

Russia's Ekaterina Bobrova and Dmitri Soloviev were second with Federica Faiella and Massimo Scali of Italy back in third place.

And world champions and Olympic silver medallists from China, Qing Pang and Jian Tong delighted the home fans by edging out compatriots Wenjing Sui and Cong Han in the pairs competition.

The Cup of China was the third of six events in the ISU Grand Prix series. Skaters compete at two events with the top six points-earners going through to the Grand Prix final in Beijing in December.