Hosts Thailand made a winning start at the Asia Oceania Floorball Confederation qualifying tournament for the Women's World Championship ©IFF

Hosts Thailand made a winning start at the Asia Oceania Floorball Confederation qualifying tournament for the Women's World Championship.

Swedish-born player Nelly Johansson bagged a hat-trick for the Thais as they brushed aside New Zealand 6-1 in Group A.

Sirinan Boonbut also registered at the Huamark Indoor Stadium in Bangkok, with Aliisa Syrjaenen and Lalita Kuiraphanew the other home scorers.

Esther Chan bagged a consolation for the Kiwis but they were well beaten.

Today's other games were both in Group B with Singapore beating Malaysia 5-2.

Japan then demolished South Korea 10-1.

The tournament was preceded by an Opening Ceremony ©IFF
The tournament was preceded by an Opening Ceremony ©IFF

Four of the eight teams competing in Bangkok will earn a place at the World Championships in Neuchâtel in Switzerland in December.

Both group winners will book their spots and also contest the final, while the teams who finish second and third will meet in play-off games.

The winners of these matches will play for bronze and also qualify for Neuchâtel.

An Opening Ceremony proceeded the start of the action today, with a crowd of more than 400 watching the Thai victory.

Tomorrow's matches see South Korea play Singapore, Thailand meet Australia and New Zealand play Philippines.