The Czech team are seeking to earn their fifth men’s title and showed their quality throughout their opening match of the tournament as they eased to a 16-0 win against the Mexican team to top Pool A.

Italy and Latvia played out a far closer contest later in the day, with the two teams ultimately playing out a 3-3 draw to lie behind the Czech team in the standings.

France, who were the beaten finalists in 2015, recorded an 8-4 win over Argentina to top Pool B, with the United States and Spain drawing 3-3 to lie second.

An eagerly anticipated contest between Australia and Britain went the way of the European nation, after they brushed aside their opponents to claim a 10-1 victory.

Poland recorded a narrow 1-0 win over Venezuela to join Britain at the top of the Pool E standings.

The only Pool C match contested saw Chinese Taipei beat China 22-0, while in Pool C, Canada recorded an 11-2 win over Germany and Sweden defeated Colombia 9-3.

Iran defeated India 10-0 in Pool F, with the Netherlands also triumphing 11-1 against Macau.

Prior to the first group matches an Opening Ceremony and took place, with the competing 28 nations paraded in front of spectators in the arena.

“On behalf of the town of Asiago, I welcome all you, athletes and coaches, and the organizers of this great event,” said Roberto Rigoni Stern, Mayor of Asiago.

“I hope these World Championships will be the chance of friendships and sport integrity between Nations".

“We are glad to host here in the Altopiano athletes coming from all over the world and speaking the same sport language.”

The junior women’s competition also got underway today, with all seven nations competing in one pool.

Taiwan began strongly with a 5-2 win over Mexico and a 4-2 triumph over Britain, while Spain also picked up two victories by defeating Mexico 6-1 and Italy 4-1.