Canadian figure skater Joannie Rochette achieved a personal best in the short program on Friday to take the lead at the HomeSense Skate Canada International in Kitchener, Ont.
Rochette has a third title in four years clearly in her sights after receiving a score of 70 points.
The Ile Dupas, Que., native set the tone early with a clean triple Lutz-double toe combination and followed it up 30 seconds later with a triple flip. She completed the program with an impressive series of spins and spirals.
Rochette, the 2009 world silver medallist, is looking to improve on the Cup of China three weeks ago, where a disappointing short program was too much to overcome en route to a bronze medal.
Alissa Czisny of the U.S. also marked a personal best, finishing with 63.52 points for second place on Friday at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium.
The 22-year-old is making a bid for a second Skate Canada title, having won in 2005. She is the reigning U.S. champion.
American teen Mirai Nagasu could be on her way to her first podium finish on the senior circuit after a short program that put the 16-year-old in third place with 56.34 points.
European champion Laura Lepisto recovered from a disastrous start to end up in fourth with 55.74 points. Lepisto botched a double-triple combo to open her routine. She singled on the first attempt and crashed on the follow up.
Canadians occupy the next two spots. Cynthia Phaneuf of Contrecoeur, Que., is fifth with 55.58 points, followed by Amelie Lacoste of Delson, Que. with 55.10.
American teen Caroline Zhang started strongly with a triple flip-triple toe combo and concluded with an impressive layback spin. Unfortunately, the 16-year-old's program lacked spark in between, leading to a seventh place standing.
Akiko Suzuki of Japan, who won the Cup of China last month for her first ever Grand Prix title, is eighth. Suzuki nailed a triple Lutz-double toe, but stumbled on her triple flip.
Reigning world champion Yu-Na Kim of South Korea, who trains in Toronto under Brian Orser, is not competing after winning at Skate America last week.
Patrick Chan will take to the ice later Friday evening in defence of his Skate Canada title, his first serious competition of the season after suffering a leg injury.
