Ambitious Asada guns for Kim's world record

Japan's Mao Asada performs during the figure skating exhibition gala at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, February 27, 2010.

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Mao Asada has set her sights on breaking the world record score South Korean rival Kim Yuna posted to win Olympic figure skating gold in Vancouver last week.

Silver medallist Asada insists she has the weaponry to surpass Kim's remarkable total of 228.56 points and her motivation will be just as strong if the South Korean opts to turn professional before the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

"Even if she does retire, her score remains and I'll make every effort to rewrite the record as soon as possible," Asada told Wednesday's Nikkan Sports. "I want gold in Sochi."

Asada, a distant second behind Kim in Vancouver with 205.50 points, added: "My biggest weapon is the triple Axel. I can still add other jumps to my programme -- even a triple-triple."

While Asada became the first woman to pull off two triple Axels in an Olympic programme last month, Kim appears less keen on taking on the difficult jump.

The Korean raised an eyebrow at a news conference in Seoul following her triumphant return when informed coach Brian Orser planned to have her attempt the triple Axel in competition.

"That's news to me," said Kim, shooting her Canadian mentor a look. "Are you sure?"

Asada pledged to press on with an ambitious new programme.

"I will spend a lot of time working on new jumps in the off-season," the Japanese said. "Kim has given me real incentive to improve and to beat her."

The two 19-year-olds resume their rivalry at the world championships in Turin later this month.

(Reporting by Alastair Himmer; Editing by John O'Brien; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)