Action began today at the Badminton Pan Am Male and Female Cup in Salvador ©Badminton Pan America

Canada made a winning start to both their men’s and women’s title defences as action began today at the Badminton Pan Am Male and Female Cup in Salvador.

In the Male Cup, Canada beat hosts Brazil 3-2 at Centro Pan-americano de Judô.

Joining them in picking up a Group A win were Mexico, who defeated Brazil 4-1 later in the day.

In Group B, Peru lost 5-0 to the United States and 3-2 to Guatemala.

The results mean Canada, Guatemala, Mexico and the US are all guaranteed a place in the semi-finals.

As for the Female Cup, Canada opened their Group A campaign by overcoming Guatemala 4-1.

Mexico also recorded a victory over Guatemala, winning 3-2.

It means both Canada and Mexico are through to the last four.

Peru are leading Group B after beating Brazil 3-2 and the Falkland Islands 5-0.

Brazil bounced back from that loss to defeat the US 3-2.

The US had earlier overcome the Falkland Islands 5-0.

Earlier this week, the Falkland Islands made a formal complaint against Argentina after claiming the country put pressure on them to withdraw from the event.

The top two teams from each group in both the men’s and women’s events will qualify for the semi-finals due to take place on Saturday (February 15).

Group-stage action is scheduled to conclude tomorrow.