Russia edged out Switzerland 2-1 to make a winning start to the IIHF Women's World Championship in Espoo ©Andre Ringuette/HHOF-IIHF Images

Olga Sosina struck inside the last minute to secure a last-gasp 2-1 victory for Russia over Switzerland on day two of the International Ice Hockey Federation Women’s World Championship in Espoo.

The scores were level at 1-1 after Switzerland's opener from Evelina Raselli was cancelled out by Anna Timofeyeva in the first period at the Finnish city's Metro Areena.

And with just 37 seconds remaining in the third period, Russia made the most of a two-player advantage as Sosina found the net with Anna Shibanova and Nina Pirogova claiming assists.

Victory means Russia join the United States and Canada in winning their first Group A match.

Switzerland, meanwhile, have gone two games without a win having lost to Canada yesterday.

Today's earlier match came in Group B and saw the Czech Republic capitalise twice on first-period power plays to earn a 3-1 win over France.

Kateřina Mrázová, Klára Hymlarová and Aneta Lédlová scored for the Czechs. 

Coach Petr Novak's team looked confident, moved the puck well and limited France's scoring opportunities.

Aneta Lédlová was among the scorers as the Czech Republic beat France 3-1 in Group B ©Matt Zambonin/HHOF-IIHF Images
Aneta Lédlová was among the scorers as the Czech Republic beat France 3-1 in Group B ©Matt Zambonin/HHOF-IIHF Images

"I think we started really well in the first period," Mrázová said.

"We put some shots on the net. 

"Then in the second period, it was kind of slow. 

"But we picked it up in the third."

Emmanuelle Passard replied for France, who have lost their opening two matches.

Action in Espoo is due to continue tomorrow with Russia facing hosts Finland and defending champions the United States meeting arch rivals Canada in Group A.

In Group B, Sweden go up against the Czech Republic and Japan play Germany. 

Competition is scheduled to run until April 14.