Kim Yu-na returns home ahead of Grand Prix Final

INCHEON, Dec. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korean figure skater Kim Yu-na returned home
Tuesday, coolly acknowledging the pressure of having to compete in front of a
fervent home crowd as she seeks her third consecutive Grand Prix Final title this
week.

"To be honest, I feel quite weighed down because the event is being held in my
country," the 18-year-old told reporters at Incheon International Airport. "But
I'll make the best of my experience to perform as smoothly as I can."
Kim, ranked just behind world No. 1 Mao Asada of Japan, is coming off her second
Grand Prix series win of the season in China, which guaranteed her a spot in the
Final event set to be held in the city of Goyang, near Seoul, from Thursday to
Sunday.
Dubbed "Queen" by her South Korean fans and local media, Kim has captured the
last two Grand Prix Finals titles and holds the highest scores under the
International Skating Union guidelines.
"I'm pleased that I'm taking part in an international competition held in Korea
for the first time," she said. "I'm hoping for the best results with the support
of the fans."
Kim, a high school student who was recently granted admission to Korea University
in Seoul, has shown peak form by winning the last five consecutive Grand Prix
series events she has competed in since 2006.
Kim's rival, Asada, has also obtained a spot in the Final event and is expected
to arrive in South Korea on Wednesday.
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