Warner Entertainment Japanopened Zhang Yimou's epic Lovers (aka House Of The Flying Daggers) in top spot in Japan at the weekend on an excellent estimated $3.6m on 361screens.

Elsewhere Catwoman grossed an estimated $2.3m on 1,986 screens in 21 territories through Warner Bros Int'l at the weekend, raising its international running total to $19.3m including Village Roadshow territories.

The highlight was a third place Italian opening for the action picture with a $668,000 haul on 268 screens.

In its 13th weekend, Harry Potter And The Prisonerof Azkaban added $2.5m on 1,505 screens in 42 territories for a $520.4mrunning total. The family sequel has grossed $114.8m in Japan alone.

Troy has amassed a $358.4m international cumulative score to date.