Yuzuru Hanyu rapidly improved his ability while competing with Patrick Chan. (5ページ目)

"It is very rare to achieve a faultless performance in both the short program and the free skate (like Chan did). It was a privilege to be on the stage with him. Now he is above the crowd for me, and I am determined again to work much harder after seeing his performance."

Hanyu was also "shocked" when Chan said he was "conscious of his knees in order to express the sound and song".

"In general, you use your hands and upper body more in skating. Chan is very good at expressing his song and rhythm using lower body. That is a remarkable skill, and I was surprised. With that capability, it's no wonder his score is so high."

Hanyu had chances to talk to Chan in Canada, who told him of his experience as a 19-year-old at Vancouver 2010. "I learned a lot," Hanyu said. "My English is getting better and I could speak with foreign skaters."

The time competing with Chan in this Grand Prix series was so precious for Hanyu, perhaps of even greater value than victory would have been.