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Figure skater Mao Asada and her sister Mai left Narita airport for Los Angeles, their new training base. Mao was 154cm last year but she grew 8cm in one year and now she is same height as her sister Mai. "Everybody told me that I got taller. I will spend the new season with a fresh feeling," said Mao.

Their new coach is Rafael Arutunian, who has coached Michelle Kwan and Jeffrey Buttle.

An increasing number of ice rinks have been shut down in Japan and this has made it hard for skaters to find training places in Japan.

The Asada sisters were looking for a place in the USA.

Mao said "I could make communication with coach Rafael even I do not understand English, so I decided." "His lesson is easy to understand," said Mai.

Also, United Airlines announced on the 28th that United and the sisters have made a contract for partnership. United Airlines will provide business class seats for the sisters and support their activity. The sisters were using economy class seats. "We can enjoy comfortable flights!" The two were very pleased.