Hosts Hungary beat Serbia in the final of the first round of the European Korfball Championships as both countries qualified for next year’s last round ©Marco Spelten - Actiefotografie/Facebook

Hosts Hungary beat Serbia in the final of the first round of the European Korfball Championships as both countries qualified for next year’s last round.

Having defeated Ireland 17-7 earlier in the day, Hungary overcame Serbia 24-11 at the Gabányi László Sportshall in Budapest. 

Ireland recovered to beat Greece 24-5 in the third-place play-off.

They will be the first reserve squad for the final round, scheduled to take place in The Netherlands from October 13 to 21 next year.

The other semi-final saw Serbia defeat Greece 12-7.

Sweden overcame Switzerland 14-7 in the fifth-place play-off, while Armenia beat Ukraine 17-13 in the seventh-place play-off.

A total of eight teams competed at the two-day event.

Switzerland and Ukraine were making their first international appearance.