TOKYO (AP) β Olympic figure skating champion Yuzuru Hanyu has decided to sit out his first scheduled competition this season because of back pain.
Hanyu was to take part in the Finlandia Trophy from Oct. 10-12 in Espoo, Finland, but will skip it, the Japan Skating Federation said on Tuesday.
The 19-year-old Hanyu plans to compete in two International Skating Union events this season β the Cup of China and the NHK Trophy in Osaka, Japan, both in November β but decided to sit out the Finlandia meet as a precaution. He hurt his back while practicing in Japan last week.
Hanyu won the Finlandia Trophy in 2012 and 2013.
