Figure skating American Malinin embracing pressure of defending world title

U.S. figure skater Ilia Malinin plans to gauge his potential risk versus reward before deciding whether to attempt an entire ambitious programme of seven quadruple jumps at the world championships this week.

The 20-year-old who is known for his stunning athleticism is a huge favourite to capture a second straight mens singles title at the worlds which begin on Wednesday in Boston - the sports largest event ahead of the 2026 Milan Olympics.

The self-proclaimed Quad God landed six of his seven attempted quadruple jumps, including the quad Axel -- a jump only Malinin has landed in competition -- in winning his third U.S. senior title in January, falling just short of his goal of becoming the first skater to land seven quads in a free program.

Ill have to see when I get to Boston and specifically, I think Ill have to see how the ice condition is, Malinin told reporters during a recent conference call.

When I get to the program, well just have to see how Ill be feeling in that moment and if it would be worth it to go for that risk or to maybe play it safe.

Malinin, whose coaches are his Russian-born parents Tatiana Malinina and Roman Skorniakov who both skated for Uzbekistan at the Olympics, has lost once in his last 10 competitions over two seasons but acknowledged the pressure of competing with a target on his back in a pre-Olympic year could be intense, particularly at home.

I know that in a few days I might start to feel that pressure, said Malinin, who has a poster from last years world championships in Montreal on his wall as motivation.

Being at home and, you know, a huge crowd behind me and being the reigning world champion, its going to be a