The Japanese enjoyed a superb 16-7 win over defending champions United States in South Korea yesterday, ending an American unbeaten run at the event which stretched back to 2015.

They were unable to build on that success as they went down 3-1 to Chinese Taipei in their latest Group B encounter.

It has moved the Taiwanese onto the same record as Japan, three victories and one defeat, at the top of the group.

The Americans, who are bidding for a fifth title in a row, are the closest challengers on two victories and a defeat after their match with Panama today was rained off.

Panama and Spain both have one victory and a defeat with the latter's clash with South Africa postponed. 

South Africa are yet to get off the mark.

In Group A, hosts South Korea went top as they thrashed Nicaragua 9-0 in the only game to beat the weather.

They now have three victories and one defeat.

Australia and Canada sit on two victories and one defeat and were due to meet today.

Nicaragua now have two wins and two losses while The Netherlands, who have one win and two defeats, could not play winless China today because of the weather.

Today's postponed games have now been rescheduled for Thursday (September 4), which was the tournament's rest day.

Group play will continue tomorrow with Japan looking to bounce back in Group B against Panama.

The US will meet Spain with Chinese Taipei taking on South Africa.

In Group A, South Korea will entertain China with Australia playing the Dutch and Canada meeting Nicaragua.

The top three teams in each group will advance to the super round where results carry over.