Zagitova claims another crown after PyeongChang Olympics

Olympic figure skating champion Alina Zagitova on Friday claimed yet another crown by winning the world title, overcoming an uneven season by soaring to a commanding win with an ambitious program that left the Russian in tears.

Second-place finisher Elizabet Tursynbaeva of Kazakhstan also made history by being the first woman to successfully land a quad jump in senior international competition and the first woman from her nation to claim a world championship medal.

Zagitova, who finished fifth at last year's edition after a disastrous free skate and then endured a difficult season, struggled to hang onto a few of her jumps in an otherwise dynamic routine that included seven triple jumps.

In first place after the short program, Zagitova wept in the arms of her coaches after coming off the ice from her free skate but was smiling by the time her score was posted, 155.42 for a total of 237.50.

Alina Zagitova in action during the ladies free skating competition in the ISU world figure skating championships in Saitama, Japan, March 22, 2019 /VCG Photo

"There were many hard times, but I'd like to thank the audience and everyone else who supported me," she said at the Saitama Super Arena.

"Japan always welcomes me warmly," the 16-year-old – who has a Japanese Akita dog as a pet – added.

"Because of everyone's support, I was able to achieve this."

Tursynbaeva claimed silver with a flowing skate that kicked off when she successfully landed a historic quadruple Salchow.

The diminutive Kazakh, 19-years-old and 148 cm tall, pumped her fist in the air on completing her routine with a score of 148.80 and a total of 224.76.

Kazakhstan's Elizabet Tursynbaeva, Russia's Alina Zagitova and Russia's Evgenia Medvedeva pose on the podium for the ladies free skating during the ISU world figure skating championships in Saitama, Japan, March 22, 2019. /VCG Photo

"I still cannot believe I won the silver. To tell the truth, during the practice session I was feeling weird," she said.

"I am glad that after all, I managed to focus on my performance and am pleased that I landed the quadruple Salchow."

Olympic silver medalist Evgenia Medvedeva of Russia took bronze, surmounting a rough transition season after moving to Canada to train with coach Brian Orser, who also coaches top skaters such as double Olympic champion Yuzuru Hanyu.