Shibutani siblings shine at Bridgestone Skate America

BySportsbeat

Updated 27/11/2017 at 08:30 GMT

Three-time world medallists Maia and Alex Shibutani enjoyed a special weekend by taking free dance gold on home ice at Bridgestone Skate America.

Gold medalists Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani of the United States pose after competing in the Ice Dance Free Dance during day three of 2017 Bridgestone Skate America at Herb Brooks Arena on November 26, 2017 in Lake Placid, New York.

Image credit: Getty Images

The brother-and-sister team turned the clock back to finish top of the pile with a season's best of 115.07 for an overall total of 194.25 points.

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It came after they delivered an excellent performance, collecting a level four for the spin, twizzles and lifts with the step sequences also meriting a level three.

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And having competed 13 years ago in the Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid, Alex revealed the victory had been extra sweet.

Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani of the United States compete in the Ice Dance Free Dance during day three of 2017 Bridgestone Skate America at Herb Brooks Arena on November 26, 2017 in Lake Placid, New York.

Image credit: Getty Images

"This is the first big arena we ever skated in our lives and so it was a special weekend," he said.

"We made a lot of big changes after Russia to the Free Dance in particular, in the second half of the program, and I think it really paid off as far as the overall feel of the program that we have skating it.

"Even though there is only one week, it is about continuing to build the momentum that we've developed personally over the past months."

Second went to 2014 world champions Anna Cappellini and Luca Lanotte with the Italians finishing 12 points back while Russia's Victoria Sinitsina and Nikita Katsalapov finished on 176.53 overall.

Image credit: Getty Images

Earlier in the day, Satoko Miyahara of Japan won ladies gold with compatriot Kaori Sakamoto taking silver, and American Bradie Tennell, competing in her first senior Grand Prix event, earning bronze.

None of the medallists qualified for the Grand Prix Final but Miyahara is the first substitute.

She turned in a strong performance on the ice, posting a new season's best of 143.31 points for a total of 214.03.

"I am very happy and satisfied with today's performance and to get my best scores," the 19-year-old said. "After the injury, this is the first big step. The most important event, the Japanese nationals, are coming next month. I'll keep working hard to be able to do my best."

Bridgestone Skate America is the sixth and last event in the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series and provides the last opportunity for skaters to qualify for the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final in Nagoya, Japan, in December.

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