Ami Nakai leads Japanese trio aiming for first women's singles gold in 20 years

Ami Nakai topped the women's short program with a season-best 78.71 while Kaori Sakamoto was second with 77.23; the free skate is set for Thursday at 1 p.m. ET.

Veteran sportswriter Richard Deitsch offers an international view of the Milano-Cortina Olympic figure skating competition. In the women's short program at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, 17‑year‑old Ami Nakai posted a season-best 78.71 to take the lead. Kaori Sakamoto, a three-time world champion and reigning Olympic bronze medallist, scored 77.23 for second and skated in what observers described as a free, emotional performance. The short program result placed three Japanese skaters near the top of the leaderboard going into the free skate. Notable short program results: - Ami Nakai led the short program with a season-best 78.71. - Kaori Sakamoto was second with a score of 77.23. - American Amber Liu was third with a season-best 76.59. - The free skate is scheduled for Thursday beginning at 1 p.m. ET. - The final three skaters will skate in this order: Amber Liu, Kaori Sakamoto, then Ami Nakai. - The last time a Japanese woman won Olympic gold in the event was Shizuka Arakawa at the 2006 Torino Games. Summary: Japan entered the free skate with three skaters near the top of the standings after the short program, led by Ami Nakai. The free skate on Thursday will determine the medal positions and the eventual Olympic champion.