Japan's Mao Asada targets gold in Sochi

Japanese figure skater Mao Asada has said that she is confident of a successful Winter Olympics campaign in Sochi.

The 23-year-old won a silver medal at the Vancouver Games four years ago.

"In Vancouver, there was tension throughout my time there," she told reporters. "Now, because it's my second time, it almost doesn't feel like the Olympics.

"I'm nervous, but feel secure about myself. So I'm looking forward to it. I love being back on this grand stage."

Asada will participate in the short program in the team event on Saturday.