The Singaporeans, ranked at 16th in the world, eased past hosts The Philippines 17-2 in Group B at the Alonte Sports Arena.

It means they top the group after their 10-1 thrashing of world number 17 side Japan yesterday.

The Philippines, ranked at 35th in the world, had begun their home tournament by beating 37th-ranked India 5-4.

In today's other Group A game Japan recovered from their opening loss by beating the Indians 9-6.

South Korea thrashed a Pakistan side with no world ranking 18-2 to claim their second win in Group A.

The world number 21s begun their campaign by beating Thailand, the best ranked side at the event at number 14 in the world, 7-6.

They scored nine goals without reply in the opening period against Pakistan and look in strong form.

Thailand got their campaign up-and-running by beating world number 25 outfit Malaysia, who beat Pakistan 5-1 yesterday, 8-4.

The group stage matches will conclude tomorrow.

Both group winners will advance to the semi-finals, with the countries in second and third facing quarter-final ties for the right to join them.

The event is seen as an important warm-up for countries competing at the Southeast Asian Games later this year.