World number one Russia are looking to win the annual duel-meet event after losing the title to the United States last year.

They secured two victories on the opening day of action at the Yakutia Sports Training Centre.

The first was a 9-1 win against Cuba in the first round.

World champion in the 74 kilogram division, Zaurbek Sidakov, thrashed Oscar Pino Hinds 10-0, while 97kg European champion Vladislav Baitcaev beat Reineris Salas Perez 4-0.

In the second round, Russia defeated Japan 8-2.

Baitcaev recorded another victory in this fixture, winning 6-2 against Japan's Naoya Akaguma. 

The other Group A clashes saw Turkey lose 8-2 to Japan and 6-3 to Cuba. 

In Group B, the US began their title defence with a 7-3 victory over Georgia and Iran eased past Mongolia 9-1.

The US and Iran then drew 5-5, with Mongolia's tie against Georgia ending with the same scoreline.

The action in Yakutia is due to continue tomorrow with the third round and final.