Samarin produced a 92.81 short programme routine at the Megasport Sport Palace, as the International Skating Union Grand Prix of Figure Skating's fifth leg began.

He led a Russian one-two-three, with Aliev more than two points behind him in second place.

Aliev received a score of 90.64 from the judges, as Ignatov rounded out the top three at the halfway stage, owing to his 87.54.

As the best of the rest, Shoma Uno from Japan sits in fourth position on 87.29.

There was further Russian success on the opening day, as ice-dance duo Victoria Sinitsina and Nikita Katsalapov topped the leaderboard after the rhythm dance.

The World Championship silver medallists won their first Grand Prix leg at the Cup of China last weekend, and look set for consecutive victories after amassing a score of 86.09.

Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier from Canada are hot on their heels on 82.56 points, with Spanish pair Sara Hurtado and Kirill Khaliavin skating to third place on 72.01.

Evgenia Medvedeva leads the way in the women's category after scoring 76.93 points in the short programme.

Compatriot Alexandra Trusova is in second place on 74.21 with Mariah Bell from the United States in third position overnight on 67.11.

The Rostelecom Cup concludes tomorrow with the free skating and free dance routines.