Danish hosts edge Serbia at Women's World Handball Championships

Denmark battled to an impressive win over Serbia today ©AFP/Getty Images

Denmark scraped past defending silver medallists Serbia 29-20 in a nailbiting Group A clash at the Women's World Handball Championships in Herning today.

Despite the best efforts of the partisan home crowd in the Jyske Bank Boxen Stadium, the Danes struggled with the relentless Serbian attacking play in the first half, with goalkeeper Sandra Toft the only reason they remained within touching distance.

Gradually, though, the home side, bronze medallists at the last Championships in Serbia two years ago, began to regain their poise.

Captain Line Joergensen led the way with a superb player of the match performance as they edged clear for a one-point victory.

Montenegro continued their unbeaten form elsewhere in Group A, overcoming Hungaria 32-15.

Japan, meanwhile, got their first points of the tournament with a 31-21 win over Tunisia.

Denmark top the group ahead of Montenegro and Hungary, with Serbia languishing down in fifth.

Brazilian players celebrate their victory over Germany in Group C ©Getty Images

The tensest match of the day came in Group B, where Sweden recovered from 15-12 down at halfway to clinch a thrilling 28-28 draw with The Netherlands at the Næstved Arena.

Dutch goalkeeper Tess Wester was named player of the match after an outstanding performance, with both teams now tied at the top of the group.

Poland were pushed hard before beating China 29-24.

Angola gained their first win with a 38-23 triumph over Cuba.

World champions Brazil gained their second successive victory after their opening day draw with South Korea, beating Germany 24-21 in their Group C encounter at the Kolding-Hallen.

France remain tied at the top of the group with the 2016 Olympic hosts after overcoming Argentina 20-12, while South Korea thrashed Democratic Republic of Congo 35-17.

Russia continued their winning record in Group D, meanwhile, swatting aside tournament debutants Puerto Rico 45-18 at the Arena Nord in Frederikshavn.

Spain beat Romania 26-18.

Kazakhstan suffered a third successive heavy defeat, losing 40-19 to Norway in the day's other match.

Norway, Romania and Spain are now all tied on four points, two behind the dominant Russians.