The Chinese, gold medal winners at last month's Asian Beach Games in Danang, are seeking a first ever World Championship medal in either male or female competition.

They were made to work hard against top European opposition before winning 20-17 at the Tianhe Sport Complex.

In their second Group D game of the day, they then squeezed past Cook Islands 11-9.

France emerged as their biggest group rivals on the second day of competition after a 21-10 victory over Romania was followed by a 21-13 win over 2014 World Championship fourth place finishers, Czech Republic.

New Zealand gained two victories in Group D.

They first beat Ukraine 14-12 before a 13-10 win over Poland in a high-paced format which inevitably produces close encounters.

Ukraine later made amends with a 12-8 win over The Netherlands. 

European champions Slovenia were among the winners today in the men's competition.

They eased past Uruguay 21-9 in Group B before a similarly comfortable 21-7 thrashing of Indonesia.

The Indonesians had already secured a thrilling 20-19 win over Andorra, who in turn were surprise 21-14 winners in their opening game against Egypt.

Spain began well in Group C with a 16-12 win over Hungary followed by a 21-16 margin of victory against The Philippines.

Action will continue tomorrow in the other four groups across both competitions.

The competition is being broadcast live on the recently launched Olympic Channel.

The top two in each group will qualify for the quarter-finals.