China started with impressive intensity but a 19th-minute breakaway goal from Omar Toledano turned the momentum and by halftime Cuba led by three.

China fought back but were hampered again when Zhaopeng Li – who made the score 18-18 with his seventh goal of the game – was given a suspension that allowed Cuba to retake the lead with an extra man.

Although the Central Americans were set back by a red card for Adonys Jesus Garcia, they earned an impressive win, thanks in no small part to goalkeeper Magnol Suarez Fiss, who made three penalty saves.

Bulgaria maintained their 100 per cent record with a 38-35 victory over the United States.

It looked as if wild cards the United States would be overwhelmed when Bulgaria, top seeds in Group B, raced into a commanding lead with seven goals without reply.

But the Americans slowly closed the gap and by halftime they led 17-16.

The favourites reasserted their dominance, though, and with Kristian Vasilev scoring 11 of their goals, they eventually took victory.

Hosts Georgia also made it two from two as they inflicted another heavy defeat on Malta, 39-13.

The home players filled their boots against a weak Maltese side –  Giorgi Arvelodi Dikhaminjia scored eight, Giorgi Tskhovrebadze six and Nikoloz Kalandadze six.

South American champions Colombia got their first win on the board with a 35-30 victory over Azerbaijan.

They roared into a 6-1 advantage after seven minutes but Azerbaijan rallied and trailed 17-15 at the interval.

In an ill-tempered match which saw four red cards handed out – two for either side – Azerbaijan took the lead in the second half but were stopped from pulling too far ahead due to good saves by keeper Julian Alberto Villa Arango.

Powered by the goals of Sebastian Restrepo, Colombia regained control late on to earn their first Emerging Nations Championship victory.

Britain also earned their first win in Tbilisi, beating India 38-28.

After a tight first half, which Britain shaded 16-13, the European side took full control in the second 30 minutes as Sebastian Edgar scored an impressive 14 goals.

The final game of the day between Nigeria and Ireland was an entertaining affair which ended in the tournament's first draw – 31-31.