Lara Naki Gutmann delivered an impressive performance. © APA/afp / MICHAL CIZEK

Gutmann in the thick of the medal fight – Sakamoto shines

Lara Naki Gutmann from Trentino showcased her qualities in the individual short program at the World Championships in Prague and can dream of a medal.

March 25, 2026

From: never

At the opening of the World Figure Skating Championships in the Czech Republic, Gutmann finished in seventh place with 69,33 points. With her truly successful program set to the soundtrack of the TV series "The Law According to Lidia Poët," the 23-year-old immediately showcased a technically superb triple toe loop/triple toe loop combination.

She then presented two more jumps, a double Axel and a triple Lutz, both marred by minor wobbles. These prevented her from breaking the 70-point mark. However, third place – and thus the bronze medal – is only 2,73 points away. For the four-time Italian champion, it wouldn't be her first medal at a major event. She won bronze at the 2026 European Championships in Sheffield (individual) and at the Olympic Games in Milan (team).

Sakamoto takes the lead

Meanwhile, Olympic silver medalist Kaori Sakamoto from Japan took the lead. The three-time world champion deliberately chose the song "Time to Say Goodbye" for her short program – it was to be the last short program of her impressive career. And she made sure it was a very special one.

Kaori Sakamoto is in the lead after the short program. © APA/afp / MICHAL CIZEK

The 2026 Olympic medalist not only landed a double Axel, a triple Lutz, a triple flip-triple toe combination, and strong spins, but also impressed with her speed, fluidity, and expression. Her reward was a season's best score of 79,31 points. Behind Sakamoto are her compatriot Mone Chiba (78,45) and American Amber Glenn (72,65). The free skate is scheduled for Friday at 6:00 p.m.