Title contender Irina Slutskaya took an early lead of women's singles of 2004-2005 International Skating Union Grand Prix finals on Friday.

Slutskaya, who came into the event with two titles including China Cup, conquered judges again with her dazzling triple flip and Biellmann spin, scoring a record-breaking of 65.46 points to dominate the group.

"I am so happy to compete with the best six skaters this time in China," said Slutskaya. "There are much more people coming to see us today."

Japanese reigning world champion Shizuka Arakawa placed second in the music "Madame Butterfly" with 66.10 points while Joannie Rochette of Canada placed third place with 55.68 despite she failed landing of a triple flip.

In the ice dancing, defending champions Tatiana Navka/Roman Kostomarov lead the six pairs with 65.30 points to come into the second day.

Tanith Belbin/Benjamin Agosto was second with 62.37 points while Galit Chait/Sergei Sakhnovski third with 60.33 points.

In Short Program Pair Skating, Chinese golden duo Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo topped the pairs short program in the opening day of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final.

The twice world champions, who are favored to win the final event, received seas of applauds from the home spectators.

They glide across the rink to romantic 'Clair de Lune' by French composer Claude-Achille Debussy, which they used in the competition at the previous stop in Beijing last month.

The pair, who won the pairs skating titles in Skate Canada and the Cup of China, finished with a perfect performance, and was finally awarded the highest mark of 70.52 points to capture the lead at the short program.

Commenting on their first day performance in the final, Zhao Hongbo said, "It is the best ever performance we have had in short program in the year's Grand Prix competitions."

The two also appreciated the spectators in Beijing for their loyal support.

"The spectators in Beijing are full of fiery passion, which encourages us to play better on ice," said Zhao.

They will dance to 'The Soong's Sisters' by Kitaro in free skating with more technical feats added in the performance.

Source: Xinhua