Brian Orser predicted Asada Mao’s victory in the upcoming Winter Olympics in Sochi, Japanese daily Kyushu Sports reported on Wednesday.

“It is Mao’s turn to win gold medal at the Sochi Olympics,” said Orser, former coach of Olympic figure skating champion Kim Yu-na during the interview with Kyushu Sports.

Kim split from her then-coach Brian Orser in 2010 right after she became the gold medalist at the last Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Asked the difference between Kim and Mao, he was quoted as saying, “I haven‘t watched her performance yet, only roughly on YouTube.” He sang praises about his former partner Kim, saying that Kim is superior and her skating skills advanced.

However, Orser, who is currently coaching Japanese figure skaters, expected Mao to win this time. “Mao retains powerful triple-axel skills though I don’t know what will happen during the matches. She is excellent enough to earn a gold medal,” he was quoted as saying.

He also added that the competition between Kim and Mao will make an exciting match worth a sight. 

The two figure skating rivals will vie for a gold medal on Feb. 19-20 in the short and free programs.

By Ock Hyun-ju, Intern reporter (laeticia.ock@heraldcorp.com)