UPDATED: Mao Asada Withdraws from Grand Prix Final

UPDATED: Mao Asada's mother has died at 48 years old due to cirrhosis of the liver. Our condolences and thoughts go out to the Asada family.

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Very sad news out of Canada today. Japan's Mao Asada has withdrawn from the Grand Prix Final to be with her mother, who is critically ill.

According to AFP, Asada's mother has been sick for some time. Thoughts are with Asada and her family.

The late timing means that there will now be only five competitors in the Grand Prix Final, which starts tomorrow in Canada with the short programs.