Buoyed by two first-period goals and a strong defensive effort, the Czechs triumphed 3-1 in their latest Group B outing at the Finnish city's Metro Areena.

Denisa Křížová, Vendula Přibylová and Tereza Vanišová scored the crucial goals.

"It's great," Vanišová said. 

"We didn't expect that it was going to be so easy for us so far, but it's great. 

"Hopefully, we will continue.

"I think we have a really good team with so many good players."

Today's other match in Group B saw relegation-bound France claim their first win in the history of the event with a 3-2 overtime success over Germany.

Chloé Aurard’s unassisted goal proved the difference.

Despite suffering their first loss of the tournament, Germany have six points and can still top Group B if they beat Czech Republic tomorrow.

In Group A, hosts Finland registered a second win from three matches by defeating Switzerland 6-2.

Michelle Karvinen starred for the home nation with two goals and an assist, while Rosa Lindstedt and Susanna Tapani had a goal and an assist apiece.

Linda Välimäki and Minttu Tuominen added singles.

Defeat for Switzerland means they will finish bottom of Group A with four losses out of four.

Canada marched to an easy 5-1 victory over Russia in today's other fixture in the section.

Forward Natalie Spooner set the standard with three goals and an assist. 

She heads the Women's World Championship leaderboard with six points. 

Rebecca Johnston and Blayre Turnbull also scored for Canada, while Brigette Lacquette and Brianne Jenner had two assists apiece.

Group-stage action in Espoo is due to conclude tomorrow.

In Group A, the United States face Russia before Canada meet Finland.

Sweden go up against Japan in the first Group B match prior to Czech Republic's encounter with Germany.