BEIJING (AP) - U.S. national champion Johnny Weir withdrew Monday from the Grand Prix final because of a right foot injury.
Weir, who won two Grand Prix events this season, was hurt during the Cup of Russia late last month when he landed awkwardly during an exhibition.
Dr. Roger Kruse, vice-chairman of the U.S. Figure Skating sports sciences and medicine committee, examined Weir after he competed in an event last Friday and diagnosed a mild mid-foot sprain. Weir will be X-rayed this week to ensure there is no fracture or ligament instability.
Last January, Weir, 20, won the U.S. title. This season, after struggling with another foot problem, he was first at the NHK Trophy in Japan, beating two former U.S. champions, Tim Goebel and Michael Weiss. He also won over the European champion, Brian Joubert of France, at the Trophee Bompard in Paris.
He was the favourite for the Grand Prix final in Beijing on Dec. 16-19.