The South Americans started their Pool B campaign with a 19-10 victory over Andorra before defeating China 21-17.

Joining them at the top of the standings on two wins is Georgia, who beat Turkey 15-11 and Andorra 17-12.

Today’s one other game in Pool B saw China claim a 21-19 victory against Turkey.

Italy lead the way in Pool C after following up a 20-17 success against Qatar by defeating the host nation 19-14.

Qatar recovered to triumph 19-16 at the expense of Indonesia, who had earlier beaten Romania 20-15.

Kazakhstan preceded their defeat at the hands of Italy by registering a 17-12 win against the Romanians.

The opening five matches in Pools A and D are due to take place tomorrow with New Zealand beginning the defence of their title in the latter.

In the women’s competition, 2015 bronze medallists Hungary won their opening two Pool A matches to equal the feat of Czech Republic.

The Hungarians overcame Germany 13-8 having earlier succeeded 20-9 against Israel, the country they beat in last year’s third-place playoff.

Czech Republic beat Venezuela 21-5 before defeating Germany 19-13, while in the one other Pool A encounter, Israel edged Venezuela 15-13.

New Zealand and Spain both made perfect starts in Pool D with the former beating Egypt, 21-13, and Guatemala, 19-2, and the latter defeating Turkey, 21-4, and Egypt, 14-10.

Turkey bounced back from their loss against Spain to secure a narrow 11-9 victory against Guatemala.

Last year’s finalists, runners-up United States and winners France, are set to begin their respective Pool B and Pool C campaigns tomorrow.