The Netherlands beat Russia 56-53 in overtime today to ensure a winning start to the IWRF European Division C Championship in Grosswallstadt in Germany ©IWRF 2017 European Div. C Championship/Facebook

The Netherlands beat Russia 56-53 in overtime today to ensure a winning start to the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation (IWRF) European Division C Championship in Grosswallstadt in Germany.

The match followed the Opening Ceremony of the tournament being held at the Business and Sporthotel Großwallstadt.

In today's second contest, Czech Republic defeated Israel 49-32.

The three-day event's top-two finishers will advance to the 2018 IWRF Division B Championship, at a location yet to be announced.

Czech Republic defeated Israel 49-32 ©IWRF 2017 European Div. C Championship/Facebook
Czech Republic defeated Israel 49-32 ©IWRF 2017 European Div. C Championship/Facebook

Each team is due to be in action twice tomorrow.

The first game pits Russia against Israel before Czech Republic face The Netherlands.

Israel then meet the Dutch prior to the Czechs’ encounter with Russia.

Competition is due to conclude on Saturday (November 4) with the semi-finals and medal matches.