The Russian team began the tournament in Italy with a success over Egypt yesterday, but Spain were expected to pose a far greater threat.

Both nations headed into the game off the back of opening day wins, but Russia proved too good for their rivals as they outscored Spain in all four quarters.

They eventually sealed a 77-58 victory to ensure they would win Group B with one match in hand.

Puerto Rico will finish bottom after their 69-52 loss to Egypt, with the African nation now set to go head-to-head against Spain to decide who finishes second in the standings.

Defending champions the United States continued their impressive start in their pursuit of a seventh straight title at the event.

They recorded a 91-52 win over China to maintain their 100 per cent start to the tournament and will expect to secure top spot in Group A by beating Italy in their final fixture.

The host nation currently lie third, after they claimed their opening victory by overcoming bottom placed Mali 63-54.

Japan have already sealed first place in Group D, with their 68-59 win over Hungary cementing their spot in the standings.

Australia are level with Hungary in second place, as both nations have lost to Japan but beaten Mexico.

The Australian team bounced back from their opening day loss by beating Mexico 109-34.

Canada are the only unbeaten team in Group C as they followed up an opening day win over South Korea by beating France 54-45.

A 69-61 win for Latvia over South Korea saw them move into joint second place, with their match against Canada likely to decide the group winners.

The group stage will conclude on Tuesday (July 25), with each nation then advancing to the last 16, ranked by their performances.

Quarter-finals are then scheduled to take place on July 28, with the semi-finals taking place a day later.

The final and third place play-off are scheduled to take place on July 30.