"We will not think about the scores, and just focus on our skating," Sui added. "I hope we can skate a good, free program."

Peng/Jin also did a good job on Wednesday, landing a good triple toeloop, which had been their weakness.

"We were always trying to improve," said Peng. "We enjoyed today's competition, and I think it is the most important."

Natalia Zabiiako/Alexander Enbert, also from Russia, ranked fourth with 73.96. Canada's 2019 Four Continents silver medalists Kirsten Moore-Towers/Michael Marinaro took fifth. Vanessa James/Morgan Cipres of France, who have won each event they entered this season including the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final, fell in the throw triple flip, and had to settle for seventh place.

The free program will be held on Thursday.