Action begun today at the Inline Hockey World Championships in Italy ©Roberta Strazzabosco and Max Pattis

Czech Republic beat hosts Italy 5-0 as action got underway today in the senior women’s event at the Inline Hockey World Championships.

The Czechs scored three of their goals in the first period before adding a further two in the second.

Victory in Asiago puts them top of Pool A.

They have a slightly superior goal difference over defending champions the United States, who defeated Argentina 6-2 today.

The United States beat Argentina in their opening game ©Roberta Strazzabosco and Max Pattis
The United States beat Argentina in their opening game ©Roberta Strazzabosco and Max Pattis

In Pool C, Sweden begun their campaign with a 5-0 win over China in Asiago.

There were also two matches in Pool B with Spain overcoming Australia 8-0 and New Zealand drawing 1-1 with Canada in Roana.

A further seven games are scheduled to be held tomorrow, including Pool D encounters for Switzerland against Finland and India.

The senior men’s event is due to begin on July 22.