American Marconi Wireless News - Japan close gap on USA in Winter Olympics team skating event

World champions Miura and Kihara had already topped Friday's short programme, and were error-free in their free skate to the "Gladiator" soundtrack performed by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.

The pair looked shocked as their scores flashed up on the screen showing they had achieved 155.55 points -- 7.66 points better than their previous best free dance performance.

US pair Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea were fourth best in the five-team final which will conclude later Sunday with the men's and women's free programmes in which Ilia Malinin and Amber Glenn represent the Americans respectively.

Kaori Sakamoto, 25, a former three-time world champion and Olympic singles bronze medallist in Beijing, will skate in the women's event for Japan with Olympic newcomer Shun Sato, 22, in the men's.

The Americans have 51 points with Japan on 49, having reduced the gap from five points overnight. Hosts Italy are third on 45 points followed by Georgia and Canada who both have 41.

The United States are the defending champions having been awarded the title at the 2022 Beijing Winter Games after Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva was handed a doping ban.

Russia had won the team title but were demoted to bronze when Valieva's points were deducted. Japan took silver in Beijing.

D.Sawyer--AMWN