ISU dismisses claims American skater Mariah Bell deliberately injured South Korean rival

The International Skating Union (ISU) has dismissed suggestions South Korean skater Lim Eun-soo was deliberately injured by rival Mariah Bell.

In scenes reminiscent of Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan in 1994, reports emerged on Thursday that Bell had hurt Lim during a warmup at the World Championships in Japan.

Bell was alleged to have kicked out at the 16-year-old Lim, cutting her leg, as they prepared for the women's short program on Wednesday.

However, the ISU says there is no evidence of any intention on behalf of Bell, while rejecting claims a formal complaint had been received.

"The incident was verbally reported to the ISU by the Korean team leader, however no formal complaint has been received," the governing body said in a release. "Based on the evidence at hand at this point in time, which includes a video, there is no evidence that Ms. Bell intended any harm to Ms. Lim.

"The ISU met with delegates from both USA and Korea and urged both parties to find an amicable solution. The ISU maintains that this remains the appropriate approach."