Cuba are emerging as the force to be reckoned with at the IHF Emerging Nations Championship ©IHF

Cuba are emerging as a force to be reckoned with at the International Handball Federation (IHF) Emerging Nations Championship after they picked up their third win from three with a comfortable victory over Colombia.

The 2019 NorCa Emerging Nations Championship winners beat the South and Central American Emerging Nations Championship holders by a clear margin, 31-24.

Cuba's star player was goalkeeper Magnol Suarez Fiss, who made a remarkable 16 saves at the Tbilisi Sports Palace.

At the other end, eight goals from Adonys Jesus Garcia Abreu ensured the Cubans always had enough firepower.

They gained early control, leading 12-6 after 20 minutes, before Colombia scored four without reply to narrow the gap by half time.

They were never able to level the game and now, with one win from three matches face a tough ask to qualify for the semi-finals as a top two finisher in Group A.

Hosts Georgia also have a 100 per cent record after three games following a comfortable 37-17 victory over Ireland.

Following a tight opening 10 minutes, the Georgians pulled away and by half time had an 11-goal advantage at 18-7.

Despite a change of tactics, Ireland could do nothing to stem the red tide, and remain without a win in the competition so far.

Bulgaria have also won all three of their matches so far, after cruising past Nigeria 27-19.

Hosts Georgia also have a 100 per cent record after three games following a 37-17 victory over Ireland ©IHF
Hosts Georgia also have a 100 per cent record after three games following a 37-17 victory over Ireland ©IHF

China, top seeds in Group A, recovered from yesterday's loss to Cuba with a decisive 40-29 victory over India.

India, who have now lost all three of their matches so far in Georgia, started well and led 13-8 with five minutes of the first half to go.

The Chinese were level at 15-15 by the interval and powered away after the break.

United States also earned their second win of the Championship with an easy 44-10 win over Malta.

The Americans were cruising throughout and took the chance to boost their goals for and goal difference tally against a Maltese side who have now conceded 123 goals in their three defeats.

Britain also boosted their semi-final chances in the opening game, edging an absorbing game against Azerbaijan 36-35.

The British team built a strong early lead - 4-0 after six minutes, then up to 20-15 by half time.

Azerbaijan rallied after the break, pulling level at 28-28 with 10 minutes to go.

As both sides traded blows, a penalty goal from Christopher White proved decisive in the battle between the two highest scoring teams so far in Group A.