Kostner's potential farewell subplot to world championships

Olympic champion Alina Zagitova is without question the heavy favorite heading into figure skating's world championships, especially after the sprightly Russian's training partner and rival Evgenia Medvedeva withdrew because of injury.

She won't be the sentimental favorite, though.

That would be Carolina Kostner, the ageless Italian star who could be competing at worlds for the last time on home soil. The former champion and six-time world medalist seemed to indicate that retirement could be looming after she finished fifth at the Pyeongchang Games, where she was chosen to carry the Italian flag at the closing ceremony in South Korea.

Kostner will have a huge home crowd behind her when the event begins Wednesday in Milan.