A 3-1 win at WinSport Arena gave the ROC the perfect start to the tournament, delayed until this month because of complications caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alina Muller put Switzerland ahead 10 minutes in and they led until two goals towards the end of the second period swung the contest in the ROC's favour.

Valeria Pavlova scored the equaliser before Viktoria Kulishova made it 2-1 just after the half-hour mark.

Maria Batalova netted a third goal for the ROC late on to seal maximum points from the Group A encounter.

Hungary's debut at the IIHF Women's World Championship began with a defeat as they were beaten by Germany in Group B.

Germany recorded a 3-0 win in the first meeting between the two countries at any level of the Women's World Championship.

Nina Christof scored twice in the opening period before captain Julia Zorn added another in the third.

Hungary created chances throughout the Group B contest but were unable to find a way past Jennifer Harss in the German goal.

"We've been waiting for this moment a long time," said Hungary captain Fanni Gasparics.

"It was really exciting to be playing at the top level for the first time. 

"I think we deserved a goal today, but the German goalie was good. 

"We had some chances, but that's hockey."

In the other match in Group B, Hikaru Yamashita scored the only goal of the game as Japan edged out Denmark 1-0.

Three games, including a repeat of the 2019 final between the United States and Finland, are scheduled to take place tomorrow.