Canadians are atop the ice dance standings in China. Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha are in first place after the rhythm dance in Chongqing, scoring 82.02 points to hold the slight edge over Skate Canada champions Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, who scored 81.04.
Lajoie, of Boucherville, Que., and Lagha, of Saint-Hubert, Que., broke through last season with wins at the Budapest Trophy and Ondrej Nepela Memorial before placing second at nationals.
They finished second at Skate America this season behind only Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the U.S., the reigning Olympic silver medallists.
Now, the 23-year-old Canadian duo are leading their more accomplished teammates in Gilles and Poirier, who claimed bronze at last year's worlds. WATCH | Lajoi, Lagha in control at Cup of China: Gilles, of Toronto, and Poirier, of Unionville, Ont., have won four consecutive Grand Prix events, including the final last season.