The two sides shared six goals in an exciting clash at BH & BC Breda.

The six-team tournament features the champions of the sport's biggest prizes with the top two after a round-robin phase progressing to the final.

Australia have entered as the holders as well as the reigning World Cup and World League champions.

They began their tournament against Belgium, one of three countries invited to play by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

In a thrilling clash, Cedric Charlier put the Belgians, the Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallists, 1-0 up before Trent Mitton drew his side level.

Australia led for the first time through Lachlan Sharp but Arthur de Sloover and Tom Boon put the Europeans in front once again.

Jake Whetton then netted another Australian equaliser as it ended all square.

Elsewhere, The Netherlands, who were given a host nation berth, began their account against Olympic champions Argentina and slipped to a 2-1 defeat.

It came despite Mirco Pruyser putting the Dutch 1-0 in front after 14 minutes of play.

The South Americans were able to turn things around as Gonzalo Peillat and then Matías Paredes registered. 

The day's first game saw fierce rivals India and Pakistan, who were both invited to compete, collide with the Indians romping home 4-0.

Ramandeep Singh gave his country the lead after 26 minutes and it was 3-0 after Dilpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh both netted shortly before the hour mark.

Lalit Upadhyay then added extra gloss to the scoreline with the fourth.

Action will continue tomorrow with all six sides again competing.

India will play Argentina with The Netherlands meeting neighbours Belgium and Australia playing Pakistan.

Whoever wins the tournament will be the final champions as the FIH has axed both the men's and women's Champions Trophy events in favour of its new home and away Hockey Pro League competition.

The second Hockey Series event of the season also opened in Singapore today, with the second-tier competition part of the pathway to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

The hosts beat Indonesia 7-0 in the men's event with Myanmar and Thailand also winning, 6-2 and 3-1 against Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei respectively. 

In the women's event, Singapore lost 3-0 to Kazakhstan.

Malaysia demolished Indonesia 18-0 and Thailand beat Hong Kong 4-0.