KYODO NEWS - Sep 22, 2017 - 15:51 | Sports, All

Yuzuru Hanyu's skating program at the Autumn Classic International will feature jumps other than the quad loop as the reigning Olympic champion has been bothered by an aching knee, his coach Brian Orser said Thursday.

According to Orser, Hanyu told him about 10 days ago that he was experiencing pain in his right knee, and the two decided to opt out of the quad loop, a jump that takes off with the right foot, at the Sept. 20-23 event.

Orser also revealed that they are contemplating adding a quad lutz to Hanyu's program in the Olympic season, which would be a fourth type of quad that he will execute in competition.

"It's part of the plan for this season," Orser told reporters in Montreal before the men's short program gets under way Friday in Hanyu's first competition of the season.

During a 40-minute official practice session, Hanyu skated to his free skate program music from the soundtrack of "Onmyoji" (The Yin-Yang Master) at the Sportplexe Pierrefonds on Thursday, but did not attempt a quad lutz.

Though his program includes five quads -- two in the first half and three in the second half -- at practice Hanyu substituted three triple jumps for quads in the first half.

Hanyu, who said the injury is not serious, is expected to perform two types of quads -- a Salchow and a toe loop -- and see how far his artistic presentation and flawless execution can make up for lack of jump variations.

"There's a lot that I would like to do but I know what I am capable of doing at this time, so I'll focus on what I can do. It's important that I maintain my focus all the way," Hanyu said.