Figure skating Grand Prix Final cancelled over travel rules

Dec 2, 2021 02:00 pm News 175

The figure skating Grand Prix Final next week has been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic for the second season in a row. The Dec. 9-12 event in Osaka, Japan, was the only global event matching the best skaters across all four disciplines before the Winter Olympics in Beijing in February."Unfortunately, considering the complicated epidemic situation involving travel restrictions, quarantine requirements, safety concerns and logistical challenges, the organization of the event was extremely challenging," the International Skating Union said on Thursday. The Japanese government has barred entry for most foreigners without existing links to the country against a backdrop of concern over the spread of the new omicron variant. The Grand Prix Final gives skaters a chance to make their case for an Olympic spot before national championships in late December and January. That was a particular issue for Russia, which had five of the six women's places at the Grand Prix Final but can send a maximum of only three to the Olympics. The Grand Prix Final could be rescheduled to the end of the season, the ISU said. In that case, it may be hard to find dates around the world championships in March. The Grand Prix Final was to be held in Beijing last year but was cancelled and not rescheduled. WATCH l That Figure Skating Show recaps ice dance event at Rostelecom Cup:

Russians take gold on home soil, Canadians make podium in ice dance4 days agoThat Figure Skating Show recaps the ice dance event at Rostelecom Cup that saw Canadians Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Nikolaj Sorensen take their second bronze this season. 5:15