Evgeni Plushenko says he is ready to offer help to Chinese skaters, given the good relations between China and Russia.

The 32-year-old Russian champion arrived in Shanghai yesterday, where he will give a performance at the opening ceremony of the 2015 World Figure Skating Championships to be staged at the Oriental Sports Center this evening.

"China is a rapidly developing power in figure skating and I have seen a number of stylish young skaters who will assure a promising future for China," said Plushenko. "China and Russia have close ties, and I will be very glad to offer help if my Chinese counterparts need."

Having made a few trips to Shanghai for commercial performances, the 2006 Winter Olympic gold medalist also expressed his support for China's bid to host the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing.

The Russian revealed that he would perform one of his best known programs "God Father" at today's opening ceremony while trying for a quadruple.

"I don't know if I can accomplish it (quad), but I will surely try," he smiled.

Though not taking part in Shanghai, Plushenko counts Japan's Yuzuru Hanyu as the favorite. "He has good technique, and holds a great chance (of winning) as long as he is not bothered by injuries."

The 20-year-old 2014 Sochi Winter Games champion had earlier said that Plushenko had been his childhood idol.

Other male skaters attracting the Russian's attention include Spain's Javier Fernandez as well as compatriot Sergei Voronov. "It will be nice if Voronov can finish in the top five. The competition will be interesting to watch," Plushenko said.

Yan Han and Song Nan, both from Heilongjiang Province, will represent China in the men's competition.

When asked whether he is still aiming for the 2018 Winter Games in South Korea, Plushenko gave an uncertain answer, though he admitted that becoming the first skater to participate in five Olympic Games was an attractive record.

"I will be 35 years old by that time. To continue or not, that's the question I ask myself too everyday. One day I tell myself yes I will do it, on another day I say well, maybe. To be frank I'm not sure about the answer yet."

Being one of the most popular skaters in the world, Plushenko is planning a world tour commercial performance entitled "Snow King".

The show might also include Shanghai and Beijing stops later this year with negotiations under way, he revealed.

It's the first time that Shanghai and China are hosting the world figure skating championships. Ice dancing and pairs competition start today, with the ladies' short program set for tomorrow and the men performing on Friday.

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