The first-time hosts were in control from start to finish as they posted a 105-34 scoreline despite head coach Shannon Seebohm rotating her side as much as possible.

Every single member of the Opals squad not only got on the court, but also on the scoreboard as Darcee Garbin led the charts with 18 points at the State Sports Centre.

A silver lining for the Philippines was the impressive debut of Vanessa De Jesus who made her national team debut.

The Duke University player led the team with 18 points including four from beyond the arc.

Elsewhere in Group B, Japan cruised past Chinese Taipei 94-53.

The defending champions were in fine form, led by Stephanie Mawuli who amassed 18 points and nine rebounds.

In Group A, New Zealand and South Korea played out the most exciting contest of the opening day with the former pulling off a narrow 66-64 win.

It was a strong start for the Tall Ferns as they built up a 23-point lead in the first half thanks to some strong inside play.

It was Penina Davidson who carried them with a 24-point, 10-rebound double-double performance in addition to three steals and two blocks.

The other Group A fixture saw 2021 finalists China get the better of Lebanon 89-44.

All of China's players got game time and the scoring was also spread out.

Han Xu, Gao Song, and 21-year-old Luo Xinyu led the way though with 17, 15, and 12 points respectively.

Competition is set to continue tomorrow in both pools as Lebanon play South Korea and New Zealand meet China in Group A.

The Philippines and Japan are then scheduled to play before Chinese Taipei and Australia in Group B.