Mao Asada AP PHOTO

She won the NHK Trophy women's event Dec. 2, qualifying to defend her Grand Prix final title.

At Skate America in October, Asada led after the short program then faltered on a number of jumps in the free skate with one of the worst performances of her career.

She rebounded with a record performance.

Asada's score of 199.52 is the highest ever in the Grand Prix series, bettering the mark of 198.06 Irina Slutskaya had in November 2005.

However, it could have been better.

"I am sorry I could not succeed on the triple axel perfectly today, but all the other jumps went well," Asada said.

The Japan Times Weekly: Dec. 9, 2006
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