NAGOYA: Nathan Chen of the United States overcame an error-filled programme including a fall to win the men’s Grand Prix Final on Friday, beating hometown favourite Shoma Uno by half a point as Canada’s Kaetlyn Osmond led the women’s event. While the Grand Prix Final is often seen as a rehearsal for the Olympics, which take place in February, this year’s competition was marked by the absence of prominent skaters including Olympic champion Yuzuru Hanyu and Canada’s Patrick Chan, the Sochi silver medallist. But Chen and Uno battled down to the wire, with Chen taking 183.19 in the free skate for a total of 286.51 to Uno’s 286.05. “I’m extremely honoured to be Grand Prix champion,” Chen said after an ambitious routine to “Mao’s Last Dancer” that included attempts to make at least five quadruple jumps. “Last year I didn’t even think I would make it to the Grand Prix.” Uno, who won the free skate with 184.50, fell on his first quad loop and pulled a face at the end of his routine. Russian Mikhail Kolyada finished third. “I am not regretting what I have done so far,” Uno said. “At the Grand Prix Final, I wanted to show my best.” All three skaters said the competition was not the same without Hanyu, who withdrew due to injury, and Chan, who decided to take more time to practice after a disappointing result at Skate Canada. Also absent were China’s Boyang Jin and Spain’s Javier Fernandez.” Published in Daily Times, December 9th 2017.