American Roberts headed the overall series standings heading into the final event of the season in the Chinese city.

Lessman has looked to put pressure on her 17-year-old rival throughout and looks set to do so again.

The German would have to settle for second place behind Roberts in today’s qualification, which the American cyclist topped with a score of 82 points.

Lessman finished second on 71 points, nearly ahead of the United States’ Perris Benegas, who scored 70.80.

The top 24 riders qualified for the next stage of competition.

Men’s skateboard street qualification also took place on the opening day, with Slovakia’s Richard Tury topping the standings on 86.25 points to close further on the series title.

France’s Joseph Garbaccio was two points further back in second, with Russia’s Egor Golubev rounding off the top three on 83.25.

Japan’s Sogo Sakaibara was the best qualifying in the men’s scooter competition, with a score of 90.60 placing him at the head of the leaderboard.

Britain’s Jamie Hull and Auguste Pellaud ended on 88.66 and 82.60 to complete the top three.

The scooter event will be the first final of the World Series event tomorrow, with qualifications and semi-finals also being held for different disciplines.

The event, scheduled to run from tomorrow until Sunday (November 4), will see overall champions crowned in events including BMX freestyle, skateboarding and roller freestyle.

Action is also be held in BMX flatland and mountain biking during the four-day event.