Entertainers perform at the opening ceremony for the 2015 ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Shanghai, March 25, 2015. [Photo/IC]

However, 2015 European champions Yuko Kavaguti/Alexander Smirnov of Russia and a strong Chinese squad consisting of returning two-time world champions Pang Qing/Tong Jian, 2015 Four Continents silver medalists Peng Cheng/Zhang Hao and current ISU Grand Prix Final bronze medalists Sui Wenjing/Han Cong are chasing the Canadians.

In ice dance, 2014 world silver medalists, Canadian pair Kaitlyn Weaver/Andrew Poje, top the season. China's Liu Xinyu/Wang Shiyu will take part in the event.

A total of 164 skaters/pairs from 37 ISU members have been entered for the championships.