Two-time world champion Mao Asada has withdrawn from the prestigious Grand Prix

Two-time world champion Mao Asada has withdrawn from the prestigious Grand Prix Final in Canada and returned home after her mother was taken ill in Japan, the International Skating Union said Thursday.

“The Japan Skating Federation informed the International Skating Union this morning of the withdrawal of Japanese skater Mao Asada,” ISU spokeswoman Selina Vanier said.

“Miss Asada received news early this morning that her mother is in a critical condition in Japan and she has decided to return home to Japan accompanied by her coach Mr. (Nobuo) Sato.”

The women’s short program was scheduled for Friday followed by the free program on today. Akiko Suzuki is the other Japanese representative in the women’s event.

Americans Mirai Nagasu and Ashley Wagner and Russia’s Adelina Sotnikova were listed as the three substitutes.

Source Mainichi Japan