The 2017 bronze medallists began impressively as Maria Alexandrova and Daria Beloglazova struck in the opening two periods at the Ice Palace Dmitrov.

Canada were able to get back into the tie at the start of the third period when Sarah Fillier scored, but it proved to be a brief respite as Oxana Bratisheva restored Russia's two goal lead.

Margaret Maceachern scored Canada's second of the match with seven minutes remaining, but it proved to be a consolation as Russia held on for the victory.

Last year's winners, the United States, earned an overtime 2-1 win over Sweden in the second Group A match.

The top two teams at the end of the group stage will advance to the semi-finals, with the bottom two forced to play a quarter-final match.

They will be joined in the last eight by the top two finishers in Group B.

The Czech Republic began their pursuit of a quarter-final berth by beating Switzerland in a thrilling Group B tie.

Switzerland took the lead in the opening period, but the Czech Republic stormed back to lead 3-2.

The two teams traded goals in the final period of the match, with the Czech Republic ultimately securing a 4-3 victory.

Finland beat Germany 4-1 in the second Group B tie.