Asada to lead Japan at figure skating worlds

Two-time world champion Mao Asada will spearhead the Japanese team at the world figure skating championships in France next year, the Japan Skating Federation announced on Sunday. The 21-year-old Asada claimed her first women's singles title in two years and fifth in her career at Japan's national championships Sunday, which serve as trials for the world championships in Nice from March 26 to April 1, 2012. Also joining Asada in the team are Grand Prix Final silver medallist Akiko Suzuki, who also won silver on Sunday and bronze medallist Kanako Murakami. Men's winner on Saturday Daisuke Takahashi has been named for the men's team, along with Takahiko Kozuka and Yuzuru Hanyu. "I was disappointed that I failed to land a triple loop, but I'm happy that I was able to finish the year by winning the title. I was in a difficult condition, but I was able to perform my usual free skating," said Asada. Asada pulled out of the Grand Prix Final in Quebec earlier this month to be with her mother, Kyoko, whose health had deteriorated. Kyoko died before Mao arrived at the hospital.