Japan's Takahiko Kozuka held onto his lead after the short program to complete a winning double for Japan on Saturday at the Cup of China, the third event of the Grand Prix figure skating series.

Kozuka collected a personal best 233.51 points to finish well clear of American Brandon Mroz after Miki Ando had earlier come from behind to win the women's event. Mroz had 216.80 points, with Tomas Verner of the Czech Republic taking third with 214.81.

"It's my first win for a while so I am thrilled," said Kozuka. "I have realized that if I really put in the work in practice I can beat the nerves as well."

"I am making progress step by step and so have been able to post a personal best score."

Kozuka became the second Japanese man to win on the Grand Prix circuit this season after Daisuke Takahashi prevailed at the season-opening HNK Trophy in Nagoya. Nobunari Oda placed second at last week's Skate Canada. Japan's Tatsuki Machida was fifth with 200.95.

In the women's singles, Ando, third after the short program, landed eight of her planned jumps in the free skate to finish nearly 10 points ahead of compatriot Akiko Suzuki for her career fourth Grand Prix title.

"I didn't make any major errors on my jumps and that led to victory," said Ando. "This will give me momentum for the Cup of Russia."

Despite heightened tension between Japan and China arising from the disputed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, Ando was given generous applause by local fans.

"The Chinese fans got behind me and that made it easy for me to skate."

Ando, the first Grand Prix winner for Japan's women this season, scored 172.21. Last year's surprise winner Suzuki scoring 162.86. Russian Alena Leonova took third on 148.61.

American Mirai Nagasu, winner of the short program, had to settle for fourth with 146.23.