The two nations, who triumphed last year, opened with back-to-back victories in the Austrian city.

Seeking to retain the women’s crown, France launched their campaign with a 19-14 win over Brazil.

This was then followed by a 14-8 success against Spain to put them as the early Pool A leaders.

Serbia, who won their fifth men’s title in 2022, opened their account with a 21-9 thrashing of Madagascar.

Marko Brankovic, Srahinja Stojacic, Dejan Majstorovic and Mihailo Vasic all got on the scoresheet in the victory.

The Serbian team then defeated France 21-16 with Stojacic leading the scoring with a seven-point haul.

They moved to the top of Pool A ahead of Brazil who also picked up two wins on the opening day of competition in Vienna.

Brazil overcame Germany 17-14 before seeing off France 19-16.

The other Pool A winner on day one was Germany who defeated Madagascar 20-16.

Lithuania lead the way in Pool C after beating Belgium 22-18 and Puerto Rico 21-15.

There were also victories for Belgium, Israel and Puerto Rico, while Poland lost their opening two matches.

In the women’s competition, Spain, Brazil and Austria all claimed Pool A victories along with France.

Spain bounced back from their defeat to France to see off hosts Austria 18-12.

Brazil edged The Netherlands 20-19, while the Dutch team also went down 21-12 to Austria.

The opening match of the day was determined in overtime with the Czech Republic beating Canada 20-18.

The Czech team then claimed a comprehensive 21-10 victory over Mongolia to go top of Pool C.

The United States, Canada and Hungary also got off the mark as they all won one of their first two games.
Competition is due to continue tomorrow.