The Group A clash was a repeat of last year's final in the Division A tournament, with Sweden reversing the outcome by winning 6-4 at the Arena Vänersborg.

Sweden led from the start, with David Pizzoni Elfving putting them 1-0 up in the 19th minute. 

Maksim Ishkeldin then equalised for Russia in the 35th minute, before Simon Jansson put Sweden back in front a minute later and Christoffer Edlund made it 3-1 before half time.

Ishkeldin scored for Russia after the restart but again Sweden resisted a comeback with goals through Johan Esplund and Erik Pettersson. 

Ishkeldin secured  a hat-trick to make it 5-3 in the 80th minute, provoking a response from Sweden's Daniel Berlin who restored the hosts three-goal lead. 

Almaz Mirgazov then got a consolation goal for Russia in the 90th minute, with the final score 6-4.

In the second Group A game of the day, Finland thrashed Kazakhstan 9-0.

Emil Fedorov and Tuomas Määttä scored four, with Markus Kumpuoja also getting on the score sheet.

Tomorrow is due to see Group B get underway when Norway play the United States and The Netherlands meet Germany.