Yevgeny Plushenko, Patrick Chan and Yuzuru Hanyu vie for Olympic glory
Trio of stars face off in a tight battle for the men's gold
Double Olympic gold medallist Yevgeny Plushenko, three-time world champion Patrick Chan, and Japanese figure skating star Yuzuru Hanyu all have Winter Games history in their sights starting today.
Plushenko, 31, is looking to become the most medalled man in Olympic figure skating history while Canada's Chan, 23, and Hanyu, 19, could become the first men from their countries to win the men's title.
Chan came into the games as favourite, but has lost ground after struggling to third in the men's short programme in the team event in which Hanyu gave an outstanding display to lead Plushenko.
I love being first. This is my fourth Olympic Games, and I am so happy I can compete
"It was good to get the jitters out," said Chan, who holds world record scores in the free skate and overall total, but was overtaken by Hanyu in the short programme this season.
Vancouver silver medallist Plushenko is back to claim the gold he felt he was cheated of in 2010 when American Evan Lysacek took the title without landing a difficult four-rotation quadruple jump. Lysacek has not competed since.
Plushenko has been boosted by his solid skates on the way to team gold and matching Gillis Grafstroem's record four medals between 1920 and 1932. Another medal would see him overtake the Swede.
The Russian already has gold in 2006 and silver in 2002 and 2010. The lure of another medal is appealing despite back pain.