(Saitama) Americans Madison Chock and Evan Bates imposed their style on Friday at the World Figure Skating Championships in Saitama, finishing first in the ice dance rhythm program.

With 91.94 points, the experienced duo beat their North American rivals, Canadians Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, also favorites, in the suburbs of Tokyo, relegated to third place with 87.34 points.

“It’s really the place we were hoping for today, but I think we will remember the way we skated and managed this moment,” said Evan Bates.

“It was just amazing to feel the energy from the audience, to see thousands and thousands of people around us cheering us on and giving us such a fun energy,” Madison Chock said.

Italians Charlene Guignard and Marco Fabbri, reigning European champions, have moved into second place in the provisional standings with 88.21 points, before Saturday’s free program.

“We felt better than in all the other competitions we’ve played so far,” said Marco Fabbri.