The US eventually triumphed 12-9 at Danube Arena in Budapest, Stephanie Haralabidis, Madeline Musselman and Makenzie Fischer all scoring twice for the nation who have won this competition on 12 out of 15 occasions.

Hungary led 3-2 after the first quarter as the US got off to a sluggish start and scored just 22 per cent of their shots in the opening eight minutes.

The American quality eventually told, however, although Hungary never lost touch with captain Rita Keszthelyi scoring four times.

Earlier in the day, Russia and Canada got the Super Final off to a blistering start as it took a shoot-out to separate the teams in their Group B clash.

Eventually, after a 15-15 draw at the end of regulation time, it was Russia who chalked up the tournament's first win as they emerged with a 4-2 victory in the shootout.

The teams had been evenly matched all the way through – 3-3 after the first quarter, 7-6 to Russia at half time – before a superb third quarter by Canada saw them move 11-8 ahead.

A frenetic final eight minutes saw Russia pull level, and in the shoot-out goalkeeper Anna Karnaukh made two saves to earn Russia two points and leave Canada with one.

In Group A, Netherlands reaffirmed their status as the side most likely to unseat perennial champions US with a comfortable 15-7 victory over China.

The Dutch always kept the Chinese at arms length, leading 8-4 at the halfway point and 11-7 after the third quarter, before powering away to put gloss on an impressive opening win.

The final match of day one saw Italy edge out Australia and claim an 11-9 victory.

Four matches are scheduled for tomorrow as Australia take on China and the Netherlands play Italy in Group A, while the US go up against Canada and Russia entertain Hungary in Group B.