The United States looked on good form to defend the title they picked up in Vancouver, Canada, four years ago as they recorded 62-41 and 54-37 wins over France and New Zealand respectively.

The team has won four of five world titles since its inauguration in Nottwil, Switzerland in 1995, with Canada winning the other in Sweden in 2002 after a 25-24 defeat of the US in the final.

Following the victories, Chuck Aoki, who moved to wheelchair rugby following an 11-year stint as a wheelchair basketball player, said: "I thought it was an excellent complete team win.

"It was really important to get a good start.

"We are here to win every single game so it was great to get everybody some experience out on the court."

Australia began their campaign with a solid victory over Great Britain
©Brian Mouridsen/IWRF



Paralympic champions Australia will be looking to reclaim their number one spot following defeat to the US in the 2013 Denmark Wheelchair Rugby Challenge.

They began their campaign on the right foot as the team beat Great Britain 55-46 inside the Arena Fyn at the Odense Congress Center.

"It was good to get a win and get the World Championship underway.

"They are a really good team and are improving every time we play them.

"Everyone contributed which is a very positive thing for the week ahead.

"I'm very pleased with how the whole team played, we aren't driven by the scoreboard, we just know that if we execute we will get results."

London 2012 silver medallists Canada also got their tournament off to a good start as they recorded a 58-47 win over hosts Denmark.

Japan started the World Championships on the right foot as they recorded wins over European giants Sweden and Germany ©Brian Mouridsen/IWRF



Japan, who were bronze medallists last time out in Vancouver, moved on par with the United States atop Pool B as they secured convincing wins over European giants Sweden and Germany.

One of the best fixtures of the day featured none of the top four nations as Finland and Belgium went head to head on court two.

Belgium were beaten by hosts Denmark in the opening fixture of the tournament yesterday, but looked on course to seal their first win in this fixture with Finland.

Despite leading 24-23 at halftime, Belgium were left disappointed again, as the Finnish battled back to secure a 48-46 victory in what proved one of the tightest and most entertaining encounters of the day.

Competition continues in Denmark tomorrow with another seven fixtures, with matches running through until Sunday (August 10).

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