The Turkish side, one of four co-hosts of the tournament, won the opening two sets before their opponents fought back to level the Pool A encounter at Ankara Arena.

But the hosts held in their nerve in the decider to clinch a 26-24, 25-15, 20-25, 21-25, 15-10 win.

"Today’s game did not unfold in the way we expected," said Turkish spiker Meliha İsmailoğlu. 

"Firstly, I want to congratulate our opponent because they showed some incredible defence actions and they pushed us very hard with the serve. 

"We went into the game taking it seriously but we lost our concentration after the second set. 

"We will review tomorrow what all happened and work on our weaknesses."

In the other match in the group, Greece outclassed France 25-12, 25-21, 25-21.

It was the Greek team's first triumph at the event for 27 years.

Romania overcame hosts Hungary in Pool C to claim their first win of the competition.

The Romanian team defeated Hungary 25-23, 21-25, 26-24, 25-22 to strengthen their chances of progressing to the next round.

Croatia are one of five teams in the group with one win and one defeat from their opening two matches as they ousted Estonia 25-18, 25-17, 26-28, 25-12.

The event continues tomorrow.