The 19-year-old is considered as one of the sport's hot prospects and shone in Italy today with a time of 82.15sec.

Mirgorodsky has already won two junior C1 world titles and captured the under-23 world title when he was 18 last year.

He is the latest in a Slovakian canoe slalom production line which has unearthed Olympic and world champions such as Michal Martikán, Matej Beňuš and Alexander Slafkovský.

"Today was easy on the course, so I just paddled and it was good to finish first," Mirgorodsky said.

"This is a big event, it's very important for me. 

"This year I also raced World Cups, which are also important, but the World Championships I think are the most important."

Qualification took place in four categories today on a day when no medals were handed out.

Ana Satila of Brazil was fastest in the women's under-23 K1, clocking 89.39.

"I was feeling pretty good before the race started, and I managed to do quite a quick run," she said.

"But I'm really disappointed about some easy mistakes, and I lost so much time. 

"But I finished first, so that is a good way to start the competition."

Nadine Weratschnig of Austria was swiftest home in the women's under-23 C1, as she timed in at 93.14.

Home Italian favourite Marcello Beda stopped the watches at 79.74 to lead the men's under-23 K1.