Two-time world champion Mao Asada will be looking to clinch her place in the Grand Prix Final at this week's NHK Trophy in Sendai.

Mao won the Cup of China two weeks ago in Shanghai and will bring momentum from that victory into the last of the six regular Grand Prix events.

Mao and Akiko Suzuki should both lock up spots for next month's GP Final in Sochi, Russia, — site of the 2014 Olympics — with podium finishes. Mao's win in China was notable because she chose not to attempt her trademark triple axel, which she has had difficulty landing the past two seasons.