Singapore were first to get their campaign underway at the Hanrim Sports Complex, with their team making light work of New Zealand.

They stormed into a 4-0 lead at the end of the first period of play, before both teams traded two goals apiece in the second.

Singapore would complete their victory by scoring four unanswered goals in the final period, rounding off a 10-2 success.

Japan enjoyed similar levels of superiority in their match with Malaysia, having opened the match by out-scoring their opponents 6-2 in the first period.

They continued to press home their advantage in the closing stages, with their team emerging as 12-3 winners in front of a crowd of 160 spectators.

The results saw Singapore and Japan top the Group B standings, with the two teams set to go head-to-head tomorrow.

Hosts South Korea cruised to victory in their Group A opener against China, the lowest ranked team in the competition.

South Korea produced an impressive display to win 14-0.

Tournament favourites Australia will face South Korea tomorrow, while China will look to bounce back against Thailand.

Group stage matches are set to take place until Thursday (January 25), with the winners advancing automatically to the final.

Both teams will also be assured of qualification to the World Championships.

The second place team in each group will face a semi-final tie against the third place finisher from the other group.

The winner of the semi-final matches will advance to a third place play-off, with both nations sealing the final two qualification spots available from the event.

Both the final and third place play-offs are scheduled to take place on January 27.