France beat hosts Russia in their opening match in the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series 2019 in Ekaterinburg ©FIBA

France arrived at the fourth stop of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) 3x3 Women’s Series in Ekaterinburg with something to prove, having been surprisingly beaten in the semi-finals at the last leg on their home turf of Poitiers at the weekend.

Tthe FIBA 3x3 World Cup bronze medallists wasted little time in making a positive impression as they won their opening Pool A match against the hosts Russia, 18-11.

They followed up with a 19-11 win over Romania.

The United States were the other pool A winners on the day, 15-11 over Romania.

In Pool B, meanwhile, the Czech Republic - who followed up their win against France last weekend by winning the third leg - were brought down to earth with a 21-13 defeat by Hungary.

Belarus beat Mongolia 18-13 in the other opening pool B match.

Russia re-asserted themselves with a 21-9 win over the United States, and Belarus kept up their record with a 21-9 win against a somewhat deflated Czech team.

Hungary beat Mongolia 21-6.

Action is due to continue tomorrow.