SAITAMA: Japan's"Ice Prince" Yuzuru Hanyu skipped training on Monday ahead of this week's world figure skating championships, triggering fresh fitness fears over the Olympic champion.
"I'm really glad I gave myself a shot to attempt both," said the 19-year-old, who landed a record six quad jumps in a programme at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games in winning the free skate, though still finished outside the medals.AdvertisementHanyu's arrival in South Korea last year was also shrouded in mystery after he twisted his ankle just weeks before the Olympics.
Meanwhile, fellow Japanese Shoma Uno, who took silver behind Hanyu at the 2018 Olympics, also skipped practice on Monday - to the disappointment of more than 200 waiting press. Kihira stormed to victory in both her grand prix events, the Grand Prix Final and the Four Continents, and the 16-year-old promised to put on a show for the home fans.