The current world champions could never quite break away from the North American outfit, who kept restoring parity to ensure the contest went to a decider.

Having won the fourth set, Canada had the momentum but they were unable to capitalise as Poland eventually sealed a hard-fought 25-18, 17-25, 25-21, 18-25, 15-9 win.

Bartosz Kurek was the star of the show for the Polish side with 21 points and he was ably backed up by Mateusz Mika, who registered 18 points.

The event also doubles as the Asian qualifier, with the top side from the continent guaranteed a place at this year’s Olympic Games.

The top three ranked teams from outside of Asia will also secure their Rio 2016 berth.

Elsewhere on the first day of action in the Japanese capital, Iran emerged as the early leaders as they surged to the summit of the rankings with a comfortable straight sets triumph against Australia.

The Incheon 2014 Asian Games gold medallists were in ruthless form as they dispatched their opponents 25-19, 25-17, 25-18.

France, the 2015 FIVB World League winners, also opened with a win by overcoming China despite surprisingly losing a set.

The French side attacked from the outset but were pegged back by the Chinese in the second set before they went on to wrap up a 25-13, 22-25, 25-23, 25-21 victory, led by Antonin Rouzier’s haul of 22 points.

Hosts Japan delighted the home crowd inside the venue as they fought back from a set-down to oust Venezuela 26-28, 25-20, 25-19, 25-19.

The tournament continues tomorrow as France meet Poland in one of the most eagerly-anticipated clashes of the event.

Japan will be aiming to build on their success against Venezuela when they take on China, while Iran play Canada and the South Americans face Australia.