In pictures: Russian teen Kostornaia wins her first NHK Trophy

Russian young star Alena Kostornaia won her first NHK Trophy title on Saturday, securing her place at next month's figure skating Grand Prix Finals. The 16-year-old, maintaining her comfortable lead at the women's short programme, produced clean jumps in the free to score an overall score of 240.00 points, sealing her second Grand Prix triumph this season.

Russia's Alena Kostornaia performs during the Ladies Short Program at the Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2019/2020 NHK Trophy in Sapporo on November 22, 2019.With her victory, Russia swept the women's competition of the six-round Grand Prix series. Defending champion Rika Kihira of Japan was in second place with 231.84 points, wowing the home crowd. Reigning Olympic and world champion Alina Zagitova placed third with 217.99 points, coming back from fourth at the short. With Saturday's results, Kostornaia, Kihira and Zagitova booked their place at December's Grand Prix Finals in Turin, a showdown by top figure skaters.

With Saturday's results, Kostornaia, Kihira and Zagitova booked their place at December's Grand Prix Finals in Turin, a showdown by top figure skaters. "I want to produce results that I can be satisfied with" when she competes in the finals, Kostornaia said.

Russian teen Kostornaia

Defending champion Rika Kihira of Japan was in second place with 231.84 points, Alena Kostornaia (above) came first..