Alysa Liu becomes first American woman to win figure skating world championship in 19 years

In a stunning return to the sport, American figure skater Alysa Liu dethroned three-time defending champion Kaori Sakamoto of Japan at the World Figure Skating Championships Friday night at Boston's TD Garden. 

Liu became the first American woman to claim a title since Kimmie Meissner in 2006. 

Liu's victory marked a meteoric comeback after stepping away from the sport in 2022. 

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"I mean, it means so much to me and everything I’ve been through," Liu said after the victory. "My last skating experience, my time away and this time around — I’m so happy, I guess. I’m mostly glad I could put out two of my best performances."

Liu was once considered a rising star as the youngest U.S. champ...