The United States took the lead on the first day of the inaugural six-nation World Team Trophy on Thursday with strong efforts from world champion Evan Lysacek and ice dancers Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto at Tokyo's Yoyogi National Gymnasium.

The American team was in first place in the three-day event with 48 points, while Japan stands second at 43. Canada is third with 39.

Lysacek looked in top form, opening with a superb triple axel, and following that up with a triple lutz/triple toe loop combination, in a strong showing. Lysacek was rewarded with a season-best total of 83.70 for his efforts, which placed him second behind France's Brian Joubert.