Russia's first team, Crystal Ice Junior, topped the short programme standings at the ISU World Junior Synchronised Skating Championships ©ISU

Russia's first and second teams occupy the top two positions in the short programme standings after the opening day of action at the International Skating Union (ISU) World Junior Synchronised Skating Championships in Canadian city Mississauga.

Team Crystal Ice Junior edged out Team Junost for a narrow lead, while Finland’s first team, Fintastic, is currently ranked third.

Skating to "Prayer in the Night", Crystal Ice Junior picked up a level four for the circle and the no hold element, and a level three for the move element and the block to earn 62.55 points.

Junost, the 2013 world junior bronze medallists, scored 62.34 points for their routine to "Oh Darling" by The Beatles.

Fintastic, who performed to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", managed 61.55 points.

Finland's first team, Fintastic, is currently ranked third ©ISU
Finland's first team, Fintastic, is currently ranked third ©ISU

Defending world junior champions Team Musketeers, Finland’s second team, came fourth with 57.72 points.

They were followed by Lexettes, the United States’ second team, with 57.34 points and 2016 ISU Junior World Challenge Cup champions Les Supremes, Canada’s second team, with 55.53.

The 2017 World Junior Synchronised Skating Championships is the first to be held since the ISU passed a ruling to stage the event on an annual rather than biennial basis.

A total of 19 teams representing 14 ISU member countries have been entered for the third edition. 

Competition is due to conclude tomorrow with the free skating.