Canada's Gilles, Poirier sit 3rd after rhythm dance at figure skating worlds in Montreal

Canadian ice dancers Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier placed third in the rhythm dance Friday at the figure skating world championships in Montreal.

Toronto's Gilles and Poirier of Unionville, Ont., scored an 86.51 in front of a home crowd at the Bell Centre.

Defending champions and 2022 Olympic gold medallists Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States finished first with a season-best 90.08 ahead of Italy's Charlene Guignard and Marco Fabbri (87.52).

WATCH l Gilles, Poirier earn 86.51 points in rhythm dance:

Marjorie Lajoie of Boucherville, Que., and Zachary Lagha of Saint-Hubert, Que., posted a season-best 83.20 while skating to "Thriller" by Michael Jackson to rank fifth.

Sorensen and Fournier Beaudry withdrew from the Canadian championship in January after USA Today reported an American figure skating coach and former skater accused Sorensen of sexually assaulting her in Hartford, Conn., in 2012. Sorensen has denied the allegations, which have not been proven in court.

The free dance takes place Saturday afternoon.

WATCH l Gilles, Poirier base their free dance on 'Wuthering Heights':

The women's free program was set for later Friday. Belgium's Loena Hendrickx, Isabeau Levito of the United States and Haein Lee of South Korea ranked first to third respectively after the short program.

Competition ends Saturday with the men's free program.

Watch live coverage of the World Figure Skating Championships on CBCSports.ca, the CBC Sports app and CBC Gem.

WATCH l Gilles and Poirier reflect on memorable moments at worlds: