They saw off Uruguay 22-17, 20-23, 7-6 as the tournament began at the Beach Sport Complex, before ousting Argentina 26-18, 24-16.

Beach handball matches are decided using a sets format rather than simply points.

In Group B, Spain and Hungary have advanced after both winning twice.

The Spanish defeated Vietnam 23-9, 15-10 and New Zealand 24-10, 22-12.

Hungary were 19-12, 24-12 winners over the Kiwis and 20-16, 25-17 victors over the Vietnamese.

Qatar wrapped up straight sets win over Australia and Denmark to go through from Group D, 21-10, 21-7 and 18-15, 22-20 respectively.

In Group D Sweden disappointed hosts Russia 2-1, 13-20, 23-18, 9-6.

The Swedes then beat Brazil by the same margin to go through, 18-16, 13-16, 12-10, while Russia beat the United States 23-20, 26-28, 9-8 to also advance alongside the Brazilians.

In the women's event, holders Spain, Greece and Paraguay all made it through after two Group A games.

Spain beat Greece 10-20, 14-8, 2-0 and Paraguay 24-15, 20-6.

Poland made their way through from Group B with two victories, 21-10, 18-15 over France and 29-18, 17-14 over Chinese Taipei.

Brazil beat hosts Russia 14-11, 14-12 in Group C but both countries progressed.

The South Americans also saw off the US 25-11, 24-12 as Russia beat Thailand 18-10, 20-14.

Denmark and Norway came through Group D.

The Danes beat Mexico 18-10, 28-6 and Vietnam 19-9, 22-18.

Norway saw off the Mexicans 27-17, 26-19 and the Vietnamese 14-11, 17-15.

The concluding pool games are due tomorrow.