The competition's opening session featured a world level debut for Chinese Taipei in Group C, who marked the occasion with their first win - beating Poland 5-2.

Also in action were the reigning champions Scotland in Group A, who also started their tournament on the right foot by beating Belarus 10-3.

Speaking after their win, Chinese Taipei's skipper Randolph Shen said the match was "great".

"This is a new team, and the girls' first major championship, so we are just trying to get through the first few games and nerves," he said.

"Once we got settled, we were rolling."

Scotland's captain Robin Brydone gave a similar interview after their first match, saying it was "just good to be back on the ice".

"We played well and there's still room for improvement, but happy with how we played," he said.

"We got a good one.

"Defending champs - it adds a slight bit of pressure, but we're quite happy, just coming to do a job.

"We played the team that was out here last year in the Scottish mixed and won, so we got quite a bit of confidence from that, but happy just to be out here representing Scotland again."

Hong Kong top their group as it stands with two wins on the first day.

They also beat Belarus in the morning session 6-2 and then followed that with a 7-3 win over England.

Germany, Italy, Turkey and Scotland all sit just behind with one win from one.

Five teams sit tied for first in Group C, all with one win from one.

They are the Czech Republic, Spain, France, Sweden and Chinese Taipei.

The championship will continue tomorrow at 8am local time.