The pairs events will continue on Saturday ©World Skate

Italy are first, second and third after the opening round of the senior pairs short programme event at the World Artistic Skating Championships at the Vendéspace rink in Mouilleron-Le-Captif.

The top Italian pair were Rebecca Tarlazzi and Luca Lucaroni, who could be on for double gold as he currently sits top of the men's freeskating event too.

Their score of 135.800 points impressed all seven judges who ranked them as number one at the close of the first round of competition.

Sharon Giannini and Matteo Rizzo are next with 120.400 points, with the judges also unanimously awarding them with second place.

In third place are Isabella Genchi and Alberto Peruch who currently sit on 111.500 points.

Pairs from hosts France, Camellia Cherifi and Thomas Picard, and Colombia, Carolina Otalora and Juan Manuel Lemus, are fourth and fifth respectively.

Italy's seniors and juniors dominated the first day of the pairs competitions ©Getty Images
Italy's seniors and juniors dominated the first day of the pairs competitions ©Getty Images

In the juniors event, Italy reigned supreme again.

Alice Esposito and Federico Rossi were the highest scoring pair with 120.500 points, in front of their Italian team-mates Gioia Fiori and Francesco Mascia on 113.900 points.

The United States were represented in fourth and fifth.

Samantha Krusza and Darius Sanders are currently fourth with 79.000 points with compatriots Annika Bullock and Chance Becker in fifth with 72.700.

The pairs event will continue with the long programme on Saturday (October 13).