China's Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo celebrated St Valentine's Day and the Chinese New Year by posting a new world best in the pairs figure skating short program at the Vancouver Olympics on Sunday.

The married duo were the first skaters on the ice at the Pacific Coliseum and didn't disappoint the crowd, hitting all their elements during their two-and-a-half minute routine to Queen's Who Wants to Live Forever.

Shen, 31, and Zhao, 36, lead the way with 76.66 points, to better the mark they already held by 1.30.

But they face a battle for the title with Germany's reigning two-time world champions Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy just 0.70 behind in second place.

Russia's Yuko Kavaguti and Alexander Smirnov are third 2.50 behind the leaders.

"It was a good Valentine Day's gift, and a brand new start for a brand new year," said 36-year-old Hongbo.

"We have not competed much in the last two years and we came back to compete at the Olympic Games as it is our dream to win an Olympic Gold medal.

"Even if this past year has been very difficult it feels good to be back at the Olympics."

But he remained cautious ahead of Monday's free skate final.

"Today's just the short program, tomorrow is more important. Hopefully we'll be as good as today."

Chinese national coach Yao Bin paid tribute to the three-time world champions who returned after two years retirement to challenge for gold after bronze at the last two Olympics.

"There was a lot of pressure. To be able to put in a performance like that is incredible," said Yao.

Savchenko and Szolkowy have had mixed fortunes this season losing their European title to Kavaguti and Smirnov but showed they are still in the fight scoring a personal best 75.96 for their routine to Send in the Clowns.

Japanese-born Kavaguti and Smirnov want to keep the title in Russian hands.

They gave an error-free performance to Camille Saint-Saens' The Swan, scoring 74.16.

China's Pang Qing and Tong Jian, the 2006 world champion, after in fourth with 71.50 after receiving a one point deduction for running over time, with Olympic silver medallists Zhang Dan and Zhang Hao in fifth with 71.28.

AFP