The Greeks recorded a comfortable 16-9 win to get their Group D campaign off to the best possible start at the Al-Nasar Sport Club in Kuwait City.

In the other match in the group, New Zealand thrashed Uzbekistan 22-6.

Last year's runners-up Croatia also began with a win as they defeated South Africa 16-5 in Group A.

Japan edged out China 12-9 in the second contest in the group on the opening day.

In Group B, Canada beat Egypt 12-8 and Spain ousted Hungary 9-7.

Hosts Kuwait lost their first game, going down 15-7 to Iran in Group C.

Italy earned an impressive 18-11 win over the United States in the other encounter in the group.

Action continues tomorrow.