The 17-year-old was the runner-up in both 2014 and 2015 but began the day at the top of the standings after her excellent short programme on Thursday (February 18).

Miyahara delivered a similarly impressive free routine, including seven triple jumps and two double Axel-triple toeloop combinations.

She was rewarded with a personal best tally of 142.43 points, giving the World Championship silver medallist an overall total of 214.91.

The United States’ Mirai Nagasu was her nearest challenger but finished some way adrift on 193.86.

Japan’s Rika Hongo won the bronze medal for the second successive year with 181.78 points

“In the first half of the season I was happy with my performances, but I had a lot of second places,” said Miyahara.

“I also twice was silver medalist at Four Continents, so coming into this competition I was aiming to win.

“I’m pleased I met my goal and it gives me a good feeling heading into Worlds.”

China’s Sui Wenjing and Han Cong were crowned pairs champions for the third time after maintaining their strong lead from the short programme.

Their closest rivals Meagan Duhamel and Eric Radford of Canada were forced to withdraw from the event, due to former suffering with illness, leaving the Chinese pair to cruise to victory by moving onto a total of 221.91 points.

The United States’ Alexa Scimeca and Chris Knierim claimed the silver medal on 207.96.

Another Chinese pair, Yu Xiaoyu and Jin Yang,  scored 187.33 points to win the bronze medal on their debut at the tournament.

The Championships, which exclude European skaters, will draw a close tomorrow with the completion of the men’s individual competition.