The newly crowned European champions headed into the away tie with a 100 per cent record in Group B, having won their opening three matches of the competition against Spain, Montenegro and their first game against the French.

On that occasion in October, the Serbian team were able to triumph 12-9 but they found themselves trailing 7-5 at half-time in the rematch.

A blistering third period, though, saw the world champions take control of the match as they scored six times without reply to take an 11-7 lead.

France were unable to respond as they looked for their first point of the group, eventually falling to a 15-10 defeat.

The result keeps Serbia top of the group on 12 points and they have all but secured progression to the World League Super Final in Yokohama, with Spain currently six points behind despite a 10-8 win over European Championship silver medallists Montenegro.

Montenegro could draw level with the Spanish team in the group should they win their rearranged away match against France.

Italy recorded a 14-9 win over Russia in Turin to remain at the top of Group C on 12 points, with their second match against Olympic champions Croatia looking like being a pivotal contest.

It follows the Croatian team thrashing Turkey 16-3 to remain just three points adrift of the Italian team.

A 20-10 win for Hungary away in Georgia keeps them three points behind World Championship bronze medallists Greece in Pool A, with their rivals maintaining their winning record by overcoming Romania 9-6 in Bucharest.

The winners of each group will advance to the Super Final, which is scheduled to be held from May 10 to 15.

Olympic and world champions United States began the women's Water Polo World League Intercontinental Tournament with a comfortable victory over Brazil in front of a home crowd in Lewisville.

They cruised into an 11-2 lead by half-time and eventually triumphed 17-2 to secure a perfect start to the six team event.

Their North American neighbours Canada also had an impressive start as they defeated Japan 19-10, while Australia overcame China 12-10.

The Chinese team will qualify regardless to the Super Final as hosts of the June tournament, which will be held in Shanghai.

They will be joined by the top four nations from the Intercontinental Tournament.