The home side, who are ranked fifth in the world, dropped just one set in their two round-robin encounters at Canada Games Centre in Halifax.

They first breezed past Slovenia in straight sets, 25-10, 25-17, 25-15.

This was followed by victory over Germany in four sets, where they came from behind to triumph 24-26, 25-21, 25-23, 25-22.

Five teams are contesting the event in all, with only one place at Tokyo 2020 available.

After round-robin play the top four sides will go through to the semi-finals.

Ukraine, the top-ranked country involved at number four in the world, played once on opening day and beat Germany after the match went the distance.

They came through 24-26, 25-13, 25-10, 14-25, 15-5.

The Germans, the number 17 side in the world and the lowest ranked entrants, will take heart from running both of the favourites close.

Slovenia also ended the day with a win as they beat Finland 23-25, 25-21, 26-24, 25-13.

Competition continues tomorrow with Ukraine taking on both Canada and Finland.

Germany will play Finland and Slovenia.

The tournament winners will complete the line-up for the Tokyo 2020 women's sitting volleyball competition.

They will join the already-qualified Russia, United States, China, Italy, Brazil, Rwanda and Japan.