The duel of the quadruple jump kings was lost for Japan's superstar Yuzuru Hanyu after a few seconds on the Olympic ice against US rival Nathan Chen.

"I'm really shocked," said the 27-year-old double Olympic champion after his short program disaster on Tuesday at the Winter Games in Beijing.

When he jumped to the fourfold Salchow he got stuck in a hole in the ice, which slowed down the rotation in the beginning.

"It was a small mistake, but it's okay," he said calmly and protested defiantly: "I still have a chance and I'll do my best."

The brilliant figure skater with millions of fans around the world would have to surpass himself to make his dream of the Olympic triple come true after only 95.15 points and eighth place.

94 years after Gilles Grafström: The Swede triumphed in 1920, 1924 and 1928.

Because Hanyu's deep fall inspired the American permanent rival Chen to a spectacular gala with a perfect quadruple flip and lutz.

The judges were also enthusiastic: 113.97 points meant a world record for a short freestyle.

After three World Championship titles and team silver in Beijing, the 22-year-old is now aiming for his first Olympic gold.

He has no special plan for the time leading up to the gold final on Thursday.

"I still have to wash some things and clean some things in my room," he said.

Two other Japanese are in second and third place ahead of the freestyle: Yuma Kagiyama (108.12 points) and Olympic silver medalist Shoma Uno (105.90).

But you shouldn't write off the great Hanyu either.

After all, he still has a world first up his sleeve.

At the Capital Indoor Stadium in Beijing, he wants to be the first figure skater to do the quadruple axel on the ice.

The first attempt at the national championships in December had failed.

He probably has to put everything on one card for a medal.

In a pinch, however, Chen still has a lot to offer.

After all, he is the only one who has stood five quadruples in a freestyle.

The German champion Paul Fentz has meanwhile already started his journey home.

In the team competition, the Berliner finished ninth and last in the short freestyle.

The freestyle performance was canceled because Germany did not make it into the final of the five best teams.

Fentz had not qualified for an Olympic start in singles.