COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) – Michelle Kwan has withdrawn from the Cup of China, her last chance to skate in the Grand Prix series leading to the 2006 Olympics.

Kwan, who dropped out of Skate America earlier this month, has been sidelined for two weeks with a strained ligament in her right hip. She has resumed training, but will not be fully recovered for another month.

So the five-time world and nine-time U.S. champion withdrew Tuesday from the Chinese tournament Nov. 3-6 in Beijing.

“There has been significant improvement in Michelle’s condition over the past two weeks and she is ready to start back with limited on-ice activities,” said orthopedic surgeon Leisure Yu, who is treating Kwan. “Over the next weeks, she will continue the rehabilitation process and gradually increase her ice time as the injury continues to heal.”

Unless Kwan is a late entry into another Grand Prix event, she won’t skate in any significant competitions until the U.S. nationals in January. The two-time Olympic medalist has won the last eight national titles.

AP-ES-10-25-05 1501EDT


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