Puerto Rico began their home FIBA Women's AmeriCup with a win ©Getty Images

Hosts Puerto Rico got their International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Women's AmeriCup campaign off to a winning start with a comfortable victory over Venezuela on the opening day of the tournament in San Juan.

Puerto Rico, the reigning Centrobasket champions, beat Venezuela 88-50 in the Group B clash at Coliseo Roberto Clemente.

Jazmon Gwathmey led the scoring for the home side with 14 points, while Pamela Rosado, the most valuable player at the 2021 Centrobasket, chipped in with eight assists.

Victory moved Puerto Rico, who lost the bronze medal match to Brazil at the AmeriCup two years ago, to the top of the standings after the first round of matches.

Defending champions and pre-tournament favourites the United States are also in Group B but were not in action on the opening day.

In the other match in the group, Argentina overcame Dominican Republic 64-46.

Brazil, the third-ranked team in the Americas, were in ruthless form in their first match in Group A as they thrashed El Salvador 118-43.

Thayna Silva top-scored for the 2019 bronze medallists as she racked up 22 points, as well as 13 rebounds and four assists.

Colombia also began with a victory, edging out the US Virgin Islands 70-62.

The top four finishers at the tournament, first held in 1989 and which involves countries from North, Central and South America as well as the Caribbean, will qualify for the 2022 Women's World Cup in Australia.