Peng Cheng and Zhang Hao of China compete in the pairs short program during the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Shanghai, March 25, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

Now aged 35 and in their final competition, the engaged duo proved they were still capable of producing routines full of drama and intrigue as they were foot perfect with their triple toeloops and throw triple loop.

Their only blip was being slightly out of sync in their side-by-side spins.

They earned rapturous applause from the home fans with their "Moonflower" short skate but were deemed second best by the judges with a score of 72.59.

"We are glad that we nailed everything today and hope to keep it together tomorrow," Tong told reporters. "We just wanted to give two good performances to the fans before we retire."

Duhamel and Radford were rewarded for their precise foot work and perfect synchronisation with a personal best of 76.98.