Ex-champion Kostner rules out worlds in Japan

MILAN: Former world champion Carolina Kostner has ruled out competing in the world figure skating championships in Japan next month, with a slim hope that she will return from injury for the World Team Trophy there in April.

The 32-year-old Italian has not competed this season as she struggles with a left hip problem and a fractured foot she picked up in a domestic accident in December.“I never thought this season would turn out like this and I have to say breaking my foot disheartened me at the beginning,” said five-time European champion Kostner, whose career has spanned 17 years.

“But then I transformed the time into something useful by dedicating myself, apart from the initial rest, to activities off the ice. “Now I have also taken up dance and I am happy to be able to resume my work on the ice.”

Kostner said she was resuming training gradually and hopes to participate in some Galas and a tour of Japan at the end of May.The only remaining hope of seeing her in competition would be at The World Team Trophy in Fukuoka, Japan from April 11-14.

The world championships are also in Japan, in Saitama, from March 18-24.In addition to her gold in 2012, Kostner has won two silver and three bronze at worlds.