The World Bowls World Cup has got underway in Australia - with Malta earning perfect starts in both men's and women's competition ©World Bowls

Malta, one of  five men’s team to finish the opening day unbeaten at the seventh men’s World Bowls World Cup title in Barrack Heights in Australia, did so at the expense of the hosts and favourites.

After an opening 9-6, 11-4 win over Jamaica, Malta defeated Australia 1 12-5, 6-9, 3-2, making them one of three sides in the men’s section two to pick up two wins on the opening day.

Scotland defeated Guernsey and South Africa, and Macao earned victory over Japan and Fiji.

In the men’s section one, where three rounds were played, Ireland defeated Spain, Malaysia and Australia 2, while New Zealand took maximum points from Norfolk Island, Hong Kong China and Thailand.

Malta’s women also enjoyed a highly successful start to a competition due to run until March 13.

They beat Guernsey 12-2, 5-4 in women’s section one, before beating the host team 9-1, 7-6.

Malaysia share top billing with them after wins over Macao China and Canada.

In women’s section two, five teams won their single opening matches – Guernsey, who beat the United States, the Philippines, who beat Japan, South Africa, who beat Israel, Switzerland, who beat Hong Kong China, and favourites New Zealand, who defeated the Norfolk Islands.