Fourteen-year-old figure skater Mao Asada, winner of the world junior and Junior Grand Prix Final titles, will compete in the senior Grand Prix series starting next season, Japanese skating officials said Monday.
Asada is not allowed to skate in the 2006 Winter Olympics or world championships because of an age limit, but the Japan Skating Federation intends to help her draw international recognition at senior level as Japan prepares to host the 2007 world championships.
In December, Asada won the Junior Grand Prix Final in Finland and finished second at the national championships.