Olympic silver medallists and hosts France opened their campaign at the FIBA Women's World Olympic Qualifying Tournament with victory over Cuba ©FIBA/Twitter

Olympic silver medallists and hosts France opened their campaign at the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Women's World Olympic Qualifying Tournament with victory over Cuba. 

The Cubans struggled to cope with the home nation's fast-paced game, losing 83-67 in the first match in Group A.

Playing in front of an almost sell-out crowd at Nantes' La Trocardière venue, France imposed an excellent ball movement to lead the contest from start to finish.

Two timely three-pointers from backup Olivia Epoupa and Marine Johannes lifted France to a 50-29 half-time advantage and they never looked back. 

Earlier in the day, China beat Venezuela 77-59 in Group D with Sun Mengxin scoring a team-high 21 points for the victors. 

There were also wins for Argentina, who beat Cameroon 75-64 in Group B, and Belarus, who overcame Nigeria 71-60 in Group C.

Backed by their supporters, Belarus beat Nigeria 71-60
Backed by their supporters, Belarus beat Nigeria 71-60 ©Twitter

Action is due to continue tomorrow, starting with Nigeria versus South Korea in Group C.

China face Spain in Group D, while Argentina go up against Turkey in Group B and France meet New Zealand in Group A.

Five Olympic places are available at the tournament with France, who were beaten in the London 2012 final by the United States, among the favourites to qualify.

The 12 competing teams have been divided into four groups of three, with the top two from each progressing to the quarter-finals.

Every winner in the last eight will confirm their space at Rio 2016, with the losers then playing-off for the fifth and final spot.

There will be no semi-finals or final in the competition.

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