Jackson showed why he is considered the favourite with 3,306.67 points from his two runs at the White Water Park.

The 23-year-old is chasing his third senior world title.

"I’m fired up," Jackson said.

"Prelims is always an exciting and nervous round to see what you can do under pressure, so I’m fired up to have laid down two good rides.

"I think definitely I’ll have a little bit of a target on the back of my head, but I’m just fired up that there is so many good people.

"So far, I know some people have put down some rides I didn’t know they could put down, and a couple of the better people I know can get bigger scores.

"That’s what’s exciting about it."

Great Britain’s Gavin Barker finished second in the standings with 3,033.33 points.

"I felt pretty confident, actually," he said.

"I felt like I was well prepared and that I could do that ride, so it was good to do it.

"I think if I nail my big ride, I’ll definitely be in contention.

"There’s a few more big scoring moves I can fit in there."

France’s Sebastien Devred came third with 2,993.34 points.

Home favourite Maximiliano Montoya led the competition early in the day before eventually qualifying in eighth place with 2,096.66 points.

"This is my area, this beautiful place, and it’s amazing to have the World Championships here," Montoya said.

"Before I started the competition I felt very nervous."

The men’s kayak senior quarter-finals and semi-finals are due to be held on Friday (December 1).

They will be followed by the final on Saturday (December 2).

Action in San Juan is due to continue tomorrow with the preliminary rounds of the men’s canoe and women’s kayak senior events.