Japanese figure skater Shun Sato won the men's individual gold Saturday at the Challenge Cup in the Netherlands, finishing ahead of compatriot Sota Yamamoto.

The leader after the short program, Sato also topped the free skate in Tilburg, scoring 167.12 for a total of 262.20.

Japan's Shun Sato (R) and Sota Yamamoto are pictured after finishing first and second, respectively, in the men's competition at the figure skating Challenge Cup in Tilburg, Netherlands, on Feb. 25, 2023. (Kyodo)

Yamamoto, who will represent Japan when the country hosts next month's world championships, scored 160.89 to total 245.61. He finished 16.62 clear of the bronze medalist, Italy's Matteo Rizzo.

Japan's Kaori Sakamoto is on top after the women's short program, scoring 76.85 to take a 3.3-point lead into the free skate over countrywoman Mai Mihara in second place.

Japan's Kaori Sakamoto performs in the women's short program at the figure skating Challenge Cup in Tilburg, Netherlands, on Feb. 25, 2023. (Kyodo)

Beijing Winter Olympic bronze medalist Sakamoto will defend her women's singles crown at the world championships opening on March 20 at Saitama Super Arena outside Tokyo.

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