France beat defending champions Russia on the first day of the FIVB Men's Nations League ©FIVB

France beat defending champions Russia on the first day of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Men's Nations League. 

They edged to a 25-19, 25-22, 20-25, 25-23 win in Pool Four at SPC Vojvodina in Novi Sad.

The clash was a rematch of the 2018 final, with France this time emerging triumphant. 

Hosts Serbia got off to a disappointing start against Japan, losing 25-17, 25-12, 24-26, 25-17.

Pool One was hosted at Jiangmen Sports Hall in China, with Iran coming back from one set down to win 20-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-23. 

In a five set thriller, Germany held on to defeat China 25-21, 25-21, 19-25, 19-25, 15-11. 

Rio 2016 Olympic champions Brazil looked comfortable against the United States at Spodek in Katowice.

They triumphed in three sets, 25-22, 25-22, 25-23. 

The remaining pool three fixture saw Poland take on Australia, with the former winning 25-15, 24-26, 25-21, 25-14.

Hosts Argentina got their campaign off to a winning start as they defeated Portugal 25-17, 25-21, 25-21 in Pool Two at Aconcagua Arena in Mendoza.

In the other game in the group, Bulgaria beat Canada 25-20, 26-24, 19-25, 25-17.