Turkey started their European Championship Division A title defence in style ©Getty Images

Turkey started their International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) Men's European Championship Division A title defence with a victory over Russia in Wałbrzych.

The side, looking to retain their title from 2017, overcame Russia 63-52 in Group B at the Aqua Zdrój sports venue.

France edged past Israel 86-79 in the same group, before Spain thrashed The Netherlands 83-36. 

Germany took on Austria in Group A, annihilating their opponents 75-19, while reigning world champions Britain opened their tournament account with a 76-54 victory against Italy. 

Poland and Switzerland played in the competition opener yesterday, which the hosts won. 

World champions Britain opened their IWBF Men's European Championship Division A campaign with a win ©IWBF
World champions Britain opened their IWBF Men's European Championship Division A campaign with a win ©IWBF

The group stage continues tomorrow with Italy meeting Austria, Israel coming up against Turkey and Britain facing Switzerland.

Russia will then play Spain, before Germany take on Poland and the Netherlands line up against France. 

Four places at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games are on offer at the tournament.

Japan have already secured their place at the Paralympics as hosts.

Three other qualifiers will come from the Americas and Asia/Oceania, while the one other will come from Africa.