Madison Chock and Evan Bates ignited the ice with a commanding rhythm dance before teammate Alysa Liu followed with a fearless, free-wheeling skate on Friday, propelling the U.S. to the top of figure skating's team event at the Milano Cortina Olympics.

Meanwhile, Kaori Sakamoto lead the women's short program, while Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara won the pairs to keep Japan within striking distance.

Three-time world champions Chock and Bates set the early pace by winning Friday's rhythm dance with the best score in the world this season.

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