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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 8:06 a.m., Thursday, March 13, 2008

Skating: Lysacek out of worlds after injury

Associated Press

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Two-time U.S. figure skating champion Evan Lysacek withdrew from next week's world championships after hurting his left arm in a fall during practice.

Lysacek's right skate blade broke on the landing of a triple axel Wednesday, and the fall injured his left forearm, elbow and shoulder. No bones were broken, but he's wearing a soft cast and will be in a sling for about a week. Doctors have told him not to jump or do spins for two weeks.

The world championships begin Tuesday in Gothenburg, Sweden.

"I'm obviously disappointed that I won't be there," Lysacek said. "I've been skating very well, and I really felt like the momentum was building. I'm going to continue to train as hard as I can, work to get this equipment issue straightened out, and return strong for next season."

Lysacek said he had gone through three blades in three days before the fall.

Former U.S. junior champ Jeremy Abbott will replace Lysacek at worlds. This is Abbott's second turn as a fill-in; he went to last month's Four Continents championship after Johnny Weir withdrew.

"I wish Jeremy the best of luck," Lysacek said.