The early stages of the encounter were closely fought between the two teams with Spain edging into a 15-8 advantage, but the 2014 World Cup runners-up started to get firmly in their stride on route to a half-time lead of 35-21.

There proved no way back for China, who beat Venezuela in the first Group D match of the tournament yesterday, as the Spanish team continued to score freely to eventually earn a 77-45 victory.

Alba Torrens finished as Spain’s top scorer with 22 points, while Marta Xargay and Sancho Lyttle both added 12 each.

A victory for Spain over Venezuela tomorrow, will see them advance with China to the quarter-final stage of the competition.

The host nation have already confirmed their place in the last eight of the competition after they backed up their Group A win over Cuba yesterday by overcoming New Zealand.

The Kiwis had led 29-27 at half-time, but the French team took charge in the final two quarters to eventually end up as 70-52.

New Zealand now face a pivotal clash with Cuba tomorrow, which will see the victors join France in the knock-out phase.

Group C saw Turkey claim victory in the first match of the tournament with a dominant performance against Argentina, as they ran out 66-38 winners.

Argentina remain top of the standings, but Turkey could win the group should they defeat Cameroon, who currently sit bottom.

Nigeria kept their tournament hopes alive by securing a narrow 70-69 win over South Korea in Group D, leaving the Asian nation requiring a win against Belarus tomorrow.

The top two in each three team group progress to the quarter-finals, with every winner in the last eight confirming their space at Rio 2016.

The losers then playing-off for the fifth and final spot.

Every country taking part just missed out on progressing to Rio through their continental competition.