Tsinghua University of China claimed the World Cup title last year, but were defeated 17-16 at Huaqiao University today.

The Pool B game was tied at 14-14 with just 12 seconds left, before Tsinghua University pulled ahead and took a 16-15 lead. 

Camilla Neumann from the University of Vienna then managed a stunning two-point shot as the buzzer went, securing a last-gasp win for her team. 

It was the University of Vienna's second victory of the day, having triumphed 16-9 over the University of Taipei. 

"Tsinghua are a great team and we went into the game with a lot of respect for our opponents," Neumann said.

"But we were luckier than them."

In the men's competition, Uganda Christian University narrowly defeated University of Otago 20-21 in Pool D ,after Fayed Baale scored the winner with four seconds on the clock. 

It was a disappointing loss for the team from New Zealand, but they made up for it with a dominant performance later in the day, beating their Oceania rivals Macquarie University of Sydney 21-11.

The University of Chile won both their games in Pool B, overcoming Fu Jen Catholic University of Taipei 21-7 and Paulista University of Brazil 16-13. 

Action in the pool stage continues tomorrow.