Damian Warner atop decathlon standings in injury return after Day 1 of Hypo Meeting

In his first decathlon since a hamstring injury ended his world championships last summer, Canadian Olympic champion Damian Warner is in first place with 4,531 points after Day 1 at the Hypo Meeting in Götzis, Austria.

He's back and looks to be in top form after 10 months of rehabilitation.

The 33-year-old from London, Ont., appeared confident and was consistent through the first five of 10 events in ideal conditions with temperatures hovering around 25 C under a bright sun and in front of a boisterous crowd.

"It was a tough day and tough week in the lead up to this," Warner said on the broadcast.

"This past week was a little bit of a struggle and you have questions about whether you're going to be able to finish. But you get here and you see the crowd and and competitors and fight. Luckily I'm still in the lead and I'll continue to fight."

The fan favourite in Götzis has won the annual meet a record seven times and each of the previous six.

WATCH | Warner chasing decathlon world record in Austria:

"This is an important meet to me and you always want to come out here to win and I've put myself in position to do that," Warner said. 

"It won't be easy but I've been around for a long time and have fought before and I'm up for a fight tomorrow as well."

Fellow Canadian Pierce LePage is right behind Warner in second with 4,513.

Sunday's action begins with the 110-metre hurdles, followed by discus, pole vault, javelin and 1,500.

The two Canadians pushed each other from the outset Saturday, with LePage posting the fastest time in the opening 100 to take an early lead.

LePage crossed the finish line just ahead of Warner (10.29 seconds) in a personal-best 10.28. Warner's best is 10.12.

With fans clapping in unison after