The most exciting fixture of the day was between Canada and Japan as the Japanese won by the closest of margins, 83-82.

Yua Emura's layup inside the final minute proved decisive after the two teams traded the lead throughout the closing stages of the fourth quarter.

Shayeann Day-Wilson recorded a game-high of 29 points in vain for Canada as they came up short of a comeback win having been 15 points behind at one stage of the game.

Defending champions the United States concluded the first day of the tournament by comprehensively beating Italy 96-37 with an all-round scoring effort.

Sonia Citron top scored with 15 points off the bench as Lauren Betts scored six shots from six for 12 points along with three blocks.

"I think we can take a lot of confidence from this, but we have to be mature and stay focused - this is just one game," said American guard Jewel Spear, who added 14 points.

"I was most impressed with how everyone came in and did their role and performed at their highest level.

"We have got to play really good defense [against Australia].

"We know we can all score.

"We saw Australia play; they can shoot well and they are a versatile team so we will have to come out and play hard."

Hosts Hungary also got off to a winning start in style as they just missed out on a century of points in their 99-42 victory against Chinese Taipei, while Russia also enjoyed a strong start as they defeated Argentina 73-42 to wrap up the action in Group B.

Earlier, Spain had opened the tournament with a convincing 87-37 success against Korea having raced out to a 19-2 start to set the tone.

France had to overcome a slow start to join their European rivals at the top of Group C with an 84-52 victory over Brazil as Leila Lacan finished with 17 points, 10 assists and seven steals.

"We are here to win," said Spain's Marta Garcia.

"It was a good start for us - we came together which is the most important thing and our defence was really good."

Australia was also dominant form in beginning their campaign as they kept Egypt to just 10 points in the first half on their way to an emphatic 99-28 win with Jade Melbourne leading four players in double figures with 19 points.

Meanwhile, Mali forfeited their opening game, leading to Czech Republic being awarded a 20-0 win.