Holders Ukraine continued the defence of their title at the IBSA Partially Sighted Football World Championships with victory over England in Italian city Cagliari today ©IBSA World Championship B2 B3/Facebook

Holders Ukraine continued their title defence at the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) Partially Sighted Football World Championships with victory over England in Italian city Cagliari today. 

Having beaten France 3-1 in their Group A opener yesterday, the reigning champions defeated their latest opponents 2-0.

Ukraine won the last tournament held in South Korean capital Seoul in 2015.

There was also a victory in Group A today for France, who comfortably beat Japan 7-1.

In Group B, hosts Italy suffered a second consecutive loss as they went down 9-1 to Turkey.

Russia won 5-3 against Spain in the group's other game to maintain their 100 per cent record.

Turkey thrashed hosts Italy 9-1 today ©IBSA World Championship B2 B3/Facebook
Turkey thrashed hosts Italy 9-1 today ©IBSA World Championship B2 B3/Facebook

The tournament is for B2 and B3 players, who have less impairment than the B1 category where athletes are almost or totally blind.

It is being run by Tigers Paralympic Sport, a member of the Italian Paralympic Federation for the Visually Impaired (FISPIC).

The tournament is the seventh edition in all, with action returning to Europe for the first time since 2004 when Manchester in England played host.

Tomorrow's Group A matches see England take on France and Ukraine go up against Japan.

In Group B, Russia and Turkey will lock horns and Spain face Italy.