Mana Kawabe, who skated for Japan at this year's Beijing Olympics, was third in Friday's women's short program at the International Skate Union's Grand Prix de France.
The meet at Angers Iceparc, southwest of Paris, is the third stop on the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating circuit.
Kawabe received 68.83 points in a largely error-free skate to sit third behind last season's world silver medalist Loena Hendrickx of Belgium, who led with 72.75. South Korea's Kim Ye Lim edged Kawabe for second by 0.10.
Omitting the tricky triple axel that is her calling card, Kawabe landed all her jumps with ease.
"I'm happy with the entire skate and was able to enjoy myself," said the 18-year-old Kawabe, who was 23rd in Beijing and 15th at the worlds.
The women's free skate is Saturday.
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