The season began with two events in Beijing last month, where hosts China enjoyed an impressive series of results.

Jia Zongyang won on back-to-back days in the men's event, putting him at the top of the series standings on 200 points.

He will begin the competition in the Russian capital with a 70-point lead over his second placed compatriot Qi Guangpu.

China also boasts the leading athlete in the women's field, with Xu Mengtao having accured 160 points to date.

It follows her finishing as the runner-up in both World Cup events in Beijing.

Belarus' Hanna Huskova and Australia's Danielle Scott currently lie on 136 and 109 points.

Competition will take place tomorrow and will mark the halfway point of the Aerials World Cup season.

The World Cup will then head next Friday (January 12) to the United States when Deer Valley hosts an event.

Lake Placid will stage the final competitions, with back-to-back events taking place on January 18 and 19.