Luis Carlos Cardoso Da Silva was the first winner of the week in the Ústí nad Labem region of Czech Republic.

He sprinted to victory over 200 metres in the VL1 non-Paralympic category in a blistering time of 55.356 seconds.

Róbert Susa of Hungary crossed second, in 58.617, as Pavel Gromov of Russia settled for bronze, in 59.689.

Russia enjoyed better fortunes later in the day, however, as Laris Volik romped to a huge victory in the women's VL3 200m final.

She crossed in 59.341 almost nine seconds clear of her nearest rival.

Germany's Anja Adler ultimately placed second, in 1:08.241, a marginal 0.18 clear of British bronze medallist Lindsay Thorpe.

Jocelyn Neumueller of Australia was the day's other winner.

She claimed VL1 200m glory in 1:12.335.

Japan secured both other podium positions.

Akiko Nakajima was second, 4.916 behind the winner, with Monika Seryu a distant third.

She finished 24.333 seconds back in a three-woman field in 1:36.668.

Finals are due to take place in the three KL categories on the Paralympic programme tomorrow.

Able-bodied competition will also begin with heats in Olympic classes.