Grand Prix Final champion Yuzuru Hanyu will represent Japan in the men's singles portion of the inaugural Olympic Games figure skating team competition, it was revealed on Wednesday.
Hanyu, who beat three-time defending world champion Patrick Chan of Canada in the GP Final in Fukuoka in December, will be the final skater to take the ice in the short program on Thursday evening at the Iceberg Skating Palace. The 19-year-old is believed by many to be the favorite for the gold medal in the individual event next week.
Hanyu, who trains in Toronto under coach Brian Orser, flew to Sochi from Canada and worked out here for the first time on Tuesday.