The 26-year-old Russian, who has not competed internationally since his success at the 2006 Turin Games, has been lured out of retirement in the hope of claiming a second gold in Canada next February.

“I skated with pleasure and I didn't get tired at all,” Plushenko said. “It's a terrific feeling.”

“I felt free and allowed some improvisations. I had some new movements that were not included in the program earlier. But still there's plenty of homework to do to make it all perfect.”

The Olympic champion's solid presentation of his free program confirmed his leading position, which he clinched after the free program, as he received 157.95 for Tango Amore by Edvin Marton for a total score of 240.20.