Japan's Miki Ito withdraws from Sochi Games with knee injury

Japan's Miki Ito has been forced to withdraw from Saturday's second round of qualifying for the women's moguls at the Winter Olympics in Sochi.

The 26-year-old aggravated an injury on her right knee when she collapsed in the finish area after landing her final aerial in practice before the first qualifying round on Thursday.

"We had to make a comprehensive decision while considering her intentions," the Japanese Olympic Committee said in a statement.

"I think it would be difficult," the Japan Times quotes women's mogul coach Tatsuo Hayashi as saying. "Taking her future into consideration, it's not like I can let her ski even if she says she wants to."

Ito won two silver medals at last year's world championships.