The top-seeded duo combined to good effect to beat Natalie Grinham and Milou Van Der Heijden of The Netherlands in straight games.

Their 16 minute long match ended with the Kiwis winning 11-5, 11-4 to begin Group A in impressive fashion at the National Squash Centre.

Second seeded Joshna Chinappa and Dipika Pallikal of India started their campaign with a victory in Group B.

They saw off the challenge of Catalina Pelaez and Laura Tovar of Colombia 11-4, 11-5 today.

Scottish pair Alan Clyne and Greg Lobban are the defending champions and top seeds in the men’s doubles competition.

They began their tournament in untroubled fashion as they saw off the challenge of India’s Vikram Malhotra and Mahesh Mangaonkar.

Clyne and Lobban triumphed 11-1, 11-6 in Group A.

Ryan Cuskelly and Cameron Pilley of Australia, the second seeds, beat New Zealand’s Lance Beddoes and Evan Williams 11-7, 11-10 in Group B.

A record 50 pairings are taking part in all at the fifth edition of the event.

All three finals, including mixed doubles, will be played on August 5.

The event will provide useful warm-up for doubles pairs competing at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast next year.

Manchester will also host this year's Professional Squash Association men's and women's World Championships, between December 9 and 17.