A strong performance saw the Rio 2016 gold medallists claim a 25-17, 25-22, 25-20 win at the Arena Monbat Ruse over their African challengers.

It marked a fine start to the Brazilian Pool B campaign.

Canada would emerge as straight sets winners in one of the other matches in the group today, as they overcame The Netherlands 25-15, 25-23, 25-18.

There was also a 25-20, 25-21, 25-17 win for France over China.

World champions Poland began the defence of their title with a success against Cuba.

Their pursuit of another crown started with a 25-18, 25-19, 21-25, 25-14 victory in Pool D, which is taking place in Varna.

Iran would also begin the group with a win, as they saw off the challenge of Puerto Rico 25-19, 25-14, 25-18.

An all-African clash in Bari in Italy saw Cameroon secure a straight sets 25-20, 28-26, 25-21 win over Tunisia.

Russia beat Australia 25-21, 25-20, 25-16 in another Pool C encounter.

The final Pool C tie of the day saw the United States edge Serbia 15-25, 25-14, 21-25, 25-20, 15-10 in a thrilling contest.

Pool A matches included a 22-25, 25-13, 25-13, 25-17 win for Slovenia against the Dominican Republic.

Belgium beat Argentina 25-19, 25-19, 22-25, 25-19 in the late match in the pool today.

Italy and Japan complete the Pool C standings, with the former beginning with a victory three days ago.

Their fellow co-hosts Bulgaria won their first Pool D match on the same day.