Reigning Olympic champion Yuzuru Hanyu landed a quadruple lutz Thursday during official practice for the Rostelecom Cup, the opener of this season's Grand Prix figure skating series which gets under way Friday.

The Japanese ace, who holds two world titles in men's singles, expressed his intention to include the quad lutz in his free program for the first time, making it the fourth type of quad jump for him to execute after the toe loop, salchow and loop.

"I want to skate a program which I can get most serious about," the 22-year-old said after he succeeded in landing the quad lutz in his eighth attempt Thursday. He also tried the jump five times during unofficial practice the previous day but could not nail any.

"My jumps improved one stage from yesterday," Hanyu said after the 40-minute training. "It was morning practice so I couldn't move my body completely, lacked physical strength somewhat and found various issues, but I think I've been able to adjust well."

He said he wants to jump the quad lutz in competition as much as possible this season because there are not many opportunities to try it before the Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea in February.

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Hanyu did not attempt the quad lutz at September's Autumn Classic in Canada, where he opened his competitive season, as his right knee was hurting, but he said there are now "no problems" with the knee.

"My body has finally caught up with the jump composition that I've been targeting," he said.

Only a handful of skaters have so far landed the quad lutz in competition, including American Nathan Chen, winner of the Four Continents Championships last winter, and world bronze medalist Jin Boyang of China.

"It feels like it's finally starting," Hanyu said of the six-event Grand Prix series. "I want to correct my mistakes from today for the competition."

The men's short program at the Rostelecom Cup will be held Friday and the free skating on Saturday.