The six-time reigning World Cup series champion, who also secured world titles in 2011 and 2012, edged into a 0.17 second lead over defending world and reigning Olympic champion Alexander Tretiakov of Russia after the first two of four runs in the German resort.

Another compelling battle is therefore in the making between the two biggest stars in the sport, with Dukurs keen to avenge the man who pushed him into second place at both the Winter Olympics in Sochi and at the 2013 World Championships in St Moritz.

"The first run was very good, but the start was really bad in the second heat," Dukurs admitted.

"My sled bounced instead of sliding."

Tretiakov, who clearly still believes he has a chance of winning, added: "Everything is going to plan so far - nothing has been decided yet.

"Martins is sure to keep fighting, but so will I, I didn't have any problems at the start, now we need to analyse where I can improve for tomorrow."

Alexander Tretiakov of Russia will be seeking to utilise his superb recent major championship record as he chases down Martins Dukurs ©Bongarts/Getty Images



Martins' elder brother Tomass lies in third place 0.69 seconds behind as he chases a first global championship medal following fourth place at both the Vancouver and Sochi Winter Olympics.

In a sign of future promise, Germany's Christopher Grotheer is placed fourth, two places ahead of Russia's Nikita Tregubov, the man with whom he tied for gold at the 2015 Junior World Championships.

Axel Jungk of Germany, world junior champion in 2012, is currently fifth.

The final two runs will take place tomorrow, along with the first two runs in the corresponding women's competition.

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