FEATURE - Plushenko back on the ice for Vancouver

By Gennady Fyodorov

MOSCOW, Nov 4 (Reuters) - Olympic figure skating champion Yevgeny Plushenko, making a comeback after a 3-1/2-year hiatus, has ditched pizza, chocolate and late nights as he seeks to become the first man in more than half a century to retain his title.

The flamboyant Russian, regarded as the most gifted skater of his generation, quit the sport after winning the men's gold at the 2006 Turin Olympics.

Plushenko, who turned 27 on Tuesday, made a successful return at last month's Moscow Grand Prix, outclassing the opposition with his trademark triple and quadruple jumps and elegant spins.

"It feels great to be back, feel the competitive urge, the crowd, the cheers once again. It's almost like I've never been away," he told Reuters in an interview, setting his sights on defending his title at the Vancouver Games in February.

"I feel like a kid who got to play with his toys again after a long absence."

Although far from his best, Plushenko's performance sent a clear warning to his rivals that the boss is back.

"This was like a rehearsal. Vancouver is definitely the main target for me this season," said Plushenko, who also plans to compete at next month's nationals and the European championships in Tallinn in January.

Plushenko said money was not a factor in his decision to skate again.