More than 5,000 spectators in Gangneung Ice Arena might feel the waves of Deja vu when Hanyu, in a delicately-embroidered costume of ancient Japanese ghost chaser, replayed Seimei, a defining program he staged in 2015-2016 season to bring him to the peak of his career back then, but in a more ethereal way on Saturday.

Despite two stumbling landings after a quad salchow jump and a triple lutz jump, Hanyu finished the routine infectiously with an impressive presentation score of 96.63 points. His favorite yellow Pooh bear toys then rained down onto the rink as Japanese fans were screaming his name and waving banners with his name or cartoon images.

Hanyu, bothered with constant injuries or illness, later told a press conference that he had to "push" himself to finish some elements in the competition.

"I have been through a lot after Sochi, like new programs, injuries, surgeries including those for my right ankle, but I can't quit from figure skating. I hope I can keep challenging myself bravely."

He also attributed the gold medal to Fernandez, a "friend and best competitor" as well.

"Frankly, we both gave a quality performance today, which is not usual," said Hanyu, smiling to the Spanish sitting side by side. "He is a great encouragement for me in the game, when he' s doing well, I wanna do better. This won't happen through training."