Satoko Miyahara's bid for a fifth straight victory at the national figure skating championships got off to a good start in the women's short program Friday, as Grand Prix Final champ Rika Kihira finished a disappointing fifth.

Kihira, who won this month's Grand Prix Final in her senior debut season, fell on her opening triple axel at Osaka's Kadoma Sports Center and scored 68.75 points.

Miyahara, sixth at the Grand Prix Final, took the early lead with 76.76. Last year's runner-up Kaori Sakamoto was second with 75.65, Mai Mihara third with 72.88 and Wakaba Higuchi fourth with 72.63.

(Satoko Miyahara)

"I was so nervous and then before I knew it, it was done," said the 20-year-old Miyahara. "I think I was able to remain composed as I focused on each element in turn."

"In the Grand Prix Final I messed up in my short program and never recovered. I came in here after some good practices, determined not to make the same mistakes."

(Kaori Sakamoto)

Despite her success so far this season, Kihira has struggled all year to find skates that fit. She has dealt with it by taping her ankles but said she taped her right foot too tightly for the short program.

"I executed my triple lutz well, but throughout the program the tape on my right foot was tight and the ankle a little stiff. But once it starts, there's nothing you can do, so from tomorrow, I'll loosen it up a bit."

"Actually, my concentration was better than at the Grand Prix Final, but my timing was off on the triple axel. Now I'm completely focused on the free program, where I'll want to execute the way I'm capable of doing."

(Rika Kihira)

The free program will take place on Sunday.

In the men's short program on Saturday, five-time national champion Daisuke Takahashi will mark his return to the nationals. Takahashi resumed competing this year for the first time since retiring in 2014.