05.02 Figure Skating: Chan Sees Hanyu as Main Sochi Gold Threat

SOCHI, February 4 (R-Sport) – Patrick Chan's main challenge for Sochi figure skating gold will come from his chief rival this season, Japan's Yuzuru Hanyu, the Canadian star said Tuesday.

Despite finishing second behind Hanyu at the Grand Prix finals in December, Chan, the reigning world champion, is the favorite to win the men's competition at the February 7-23 Games in the southern Russian city.

When asked whether he would identify his main threat for gold or not, Chan didn't hesitate.

"Many people talk about Yuzuru and me because we've come first and second a lot this season. He's had great skates, and I've had some great ones as well," Chan said.

Chan beat Hanyu at their two Grand Prix appearances this season, the Trophee Eric Bompard and Skate Canada.

"But the key part is focusing on myself," he added, before revealing that had been a significant challenge in itself.

"It's been a constant battle. … When I skate my best is when I just think about myself."

Chan, 23, is looking to improve upon fifth place overall at his home Games in Vancouver four years ago, when his countryman Evan Lysacek took the gold and Russia's Evgeny Plushenko the silver.

Chan said he relished competing against the 31-year-old Plushenko once again. Among the other medal contenders in Sochi are Spain's Javier Fernandez and Chinese teenager Han Yan.