Lee Sang-su battled to opening day World Cup success ©Getty Images

South Korea's Lee Sang-su won two epic seven set encounters on the opening day of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Cup begins tomorrow in Liège.

Lee, who knocked-out London 2012 Olympic champion Zhang Jike en route to the semi-finals of the World Championships in May, was heavily favoured to progress from Group A at the Country Hall De Liège.

He first defeated Kanak Jha of United States 9-11, 13-11, 8-11, 11-6, 9-11, 11-1, 11-4.

This was followed by an even tougher victory over Nigeria's Olympic quarter-finallist Quadri Aruna.

Lee trailed 1-3 before fighting back to win 11-8, 1-11, 7-11, 5-11, 11-5, 11-4, 12-10.

Marcos Freitas of Portugal also impressed on the opening day of competition.

Omar Assar, pictured playing at the Olympic Games last year, ensured Africa did enjoy opening day success ©Getty Images
Omar Assar, pictured playing at the Olympic Games last year, ensured Africa did enjoy opening day success ©Getty Images

The wildcard entry first cruised past David Powell of Australia 11-7, 11-3, 11-2, 11-9.

He then proved similarly comfortably in defeating Kou Lei of Ukraine 11-3, 11-8. 11-4, 11-5.

A total of 20 players from all six continents were due to participate in the three-day event.

This was reduced to 19, however, after Taiwan's Chen Chien-an withdrew through illness

The top eight seeds are all due to enter proceedings tomorrow.