Top figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu injures ankle, won't compete at NHK Trophy

Nov. 10 (UPI) -- Reigning World and Olympic figure-skating champion Yuzuru Hanyu withdrew Friday from the NHK Trophy competition after injuring his right ankle in practice. The move forfeits his chance at the Grand Prix Finals.

The NHK Trophy was to be the Japanese skater's second assignment in the Grand Prix Series, a competition he has won the past four years in a row.

"I am very sorry to have everyone worried. Doctors have worked hard on treating me since last night aiming to take part in the NHK Trophy," Hanyu, 22, said in a statement released by the Japan Skating Federation. "Unfortunately the doctors have made their final decision that I should not take part. I will focus on my treatment and work hard toward the nationals."

Hanyu fell during practice on Thursday while attempting a quadruple lutz, injuring a lateral ligament in his right ankle.

The Japanese Nationals take place Dec. 20-24 and the Japan Olympic team will be announced afterward.

Hanyu is No. 1 in the world standings. With his absence in the Grand Prix Finals, he will likely lose that spot.

The finals will be missing many of the world's top skaters. Canadian Patrick Chan also withdrew from NHK Trophy after a poor performance at Skate America. Javier Fernandez of Spain faced a disappointing finish at the Cup of China.

The NHK Trophy continues Friday in Osaka, Japan. The Grand Prix Finals begin in Nagoya, Japan, on Dec. 10. The 2018 Winter Olympics take place in February in Pyeongchang, South Korea.