For the second time in the same week, Japan and South Korea could be looking at a showdown for athletic supremacy in Los Angeles.
Following Japan's victory in the World Baseball Classic final on Monday night, 18-year-olds Mao Asada and Kim Yu Na will be center stage at the Staples Center at the world championships later this week to continue their fierce rivalry.
World champion Mao, who has had a solid season with victories at the NHK Trophy, Grand Prix Final and Japan nationals, will try to make history as the first two-time Japanese world champion in the sport.