The local boy topped the standings after completing the course with no penalties in front of his own fans.

"It was a pretty good run," said Grigar.

"I went into it knowing that I do not want to make a big mistake or miss a gate.

"I made a little mistake at gates 16 and 17.

"I was ahead at the time, so I have chosen the safest way to the finish."

Czech world champion Jiri Prskavec was second after the qualifiers with Austrian paddler Felix Oschmautz third.

In the men's C1, reigning European champion Benjamin Savšek was the fastest in the heats, while in the men's C2 Michal Wiercioch and Grzegorz Majerczak of Poland topped the pile.

Jasmin Schornberg was quickest in the women's K1, with Nuria Vilarrubla of Poland performing best in the non-Olympic women's C1 class.

There was a surprise in this discipline as Britain's European champion Kimberley Woods made mistakes on both of her runs to miss out on semi-final qualification entirely.

The action in Slovakia will continue tomorrow, with the event doubling as a Rio 2016 qualifier.

Countries not awarded a quota place for Rio at last year's World Championships in London will be able to seal their Olympic progression in Slovakia.

However, only one spot remains in each of the four Olympic disciplines.