Kim Yu-na, “Glad to perform before Asada”

The face of star figure skater, Kim Yu-na, brightened at the draw for the starting order in the 2007 World Figure Skating Championships in Tokyo. The draw, held on Monday, determined the starting order of the Ladies’ competition. “I got what I wanted,” said the 17-year-old, who is still recovering from a painful back injury.

Kim will be performing as the 14th runner-up among the 23 participants in Group B of the Ladies’ short program. Her performance is scheduled immediately after that of her American rival and previous champion, Kimmie Meissner, but before the appearance of Mao Asada (who will be performing 20th).

The ambitious figure skater is all the more confident now that the starting order is in her favor. Regarding Asada as the toughest rival in the championship, Kim admitted, “If I go before Asada, I can really focus on my own performance without Asada’s performance spinning before my eyes.” In fact, this is not the first time Kim has gained from performing before a rival. She won the 2006 Grand Prix Final, beating Mao Asada who froze under pressure after having witnessed her rival’s impressive repertoire on the ice.

In the men’s programs, Lee Dong-hoon of Sahmyook University, the only Korean male figure skater in the senior section, is likely to pack his bags before the Free Skating commences. Although he scored 42.00 in the male single short program – a personal best – the score was not enough to place the 20-year-old in the top 24. Only the participants ranked below 24 qualify for Free Skating. Unfortunately, not much progress has been made by Lee who came in 33rd and 31st in 2003 and 2004, respectively.

kimsk@donga.com