Spain won their opening match at FIBA Women's EuroBasket ©Getty Images

Defending champions Spain made an impressive start to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Women’s EuroBasket by beating Ukraine in Latvian capital Riga.

Ukraine made the brighter start at Arena Riga by edging 23-19 ahead in the opening quarter of the Group A tie.

The holders immediately responded by outscoring their opponents 28-19 in the second quarter.

But Ukraine proved unable to fight back as Spain dominated the next two quarters to win 95-77, Marta Xargay top scoring with 38 points.

Spain are joined at the top of the standings by Britain, who secured a 74-60 win over tournament co-hosts Latvia.

Elsewhere in Riga, Sweden celebrated a 67-51 victory over Montenegro to in their opening Group B match.

France, the 2017 runners-up, earned a 74-61 win against the Czech Republic.

Co-hosts Serbia endured a closely fought opening Group D match against Belarus at Crystal Hall, Zrenjanin, ultimately earning a narrow 55-53 victory.

The second match in the group saw Belgium beat Russia 67-54.

France, the 2017 runners-up, enjoyed victory in their opening match ©Getty Images
France, the 2017 runners-up, enjoyed victory in their opening match ©Getty Images

Group C saw Hungary beat Slovenia 88-84, while Italy edged out Turkey 57-54.

The group winners will automatically qualify for the quarter-finals, while the second and third-placed teams will enter a qualification match to earn their place in the last eight.

The FIBA Women's EuroBasket has had eight winners in the past 13 editions, including three-times champions Spain and Russia and two-times gold medallists France.

A total of 14 of the 16 nations competing at the 2019 event also appeared two years ago in the Czech Republic, with Britain and Sweden the two exceptions.