Great start for Moore-Towers and Marinaro at 2018 Autumn Classic International

World championship bronze medallists Vanessa James and Morgan Cipres of France hold the lead with 73.81 points. Moore-Towers and Marinaro, the first skaters to perform, are second at 64.73 and Haven Denney and Brandon Frazier of the U.S. third at 61.91.

‘’We’re still at a point to find out where we can get our marks and build on that,’’ said Moore-Towers, sixth with her partner at last season’s worlds. ‘’We’re comfortable with the style but our transitions are difficult.’’

Lori-Ann Matte and Thierry Ferland of Lévis, Que., are fifth with a program that featured a perfect throw triple loop.

‘’Some things were great and others so-so,’’ said Matte. ‘’We still have a lot of work to do based on the levels we got. It’s a new program so we wanted to enjoy and learn from it.’’

In women’s competition, two-time world champion Evgenia Medvedeva of Russia is first, Bradie Tennell of the U.S. second and Mae Berenice Meite of France third.

Alicia Pineault of Varennes, Que., is ninth.

‘’I was really surprised with how comfortable I was on the ice,’’ said Pineault. ‘’There were a few unexpected mistakes but I was happy with the performance.’’

Competition continues Friday at the Sixteen Mile Sport Complex with the pairs and women’s free skates, the short dance and men’s short program.

Full information and results: Skate Canada – 2018 Autumn Classic International