Pakistan 1 beat Canada 0
Goals: Pakistan - Shakeel Abbasi PC 17m

Pakistan began its bid to qualify for the 2006 BDO World Cup in less than convincing style, but still managed to record a 1-0 win over Canada in Changzhou.Playing in strong winds, rain and bleak conditions Pakistan struggled to find the back of Canada’s net, mainly due to the efforts of the Canadian goalkeeper, Mike Mahood.

Mahood was a standout throughout, especially against the Pakistani corner battery which was kept quiet. At the other end of the pitch Canada could hardly muster a shot on Pakistan’s goal, even in the final five minutes when Pakistan played a man down due to Dilawar Hussain being yellow carded for a bad tackle.

Belgium 5 beat Egypt 2
Goals: Belgium - Jean-Philippe Brule PS 4m PC 33m, Loic Vandeweghe PC 53m, Jermone Truyens FG 56m, Philippe Goldberg FG 66m; Egypt - Mohamed Mohamed PS 19m PC 34m

Belgium overcame a spirited Egypt side to move to the top of Pool A, winning 5-2.

It looked as though Belgium might have a walk in the park when they were awarded a penalty stroke in only the fourth minute, which was converted by Jean-Philippe Brule, but Egypt had other ideas.

A penalty stroke of their own and then a penalty corner conversion just before half time, both from the stick of Mohamed Mohamed, saw the sides hit the break locked at 2-2.

Both sides attacked freely in the early stages of the second half, but it was Belgium who struck first midway through the second half, which was quickly followed by another, putting an end to the Egyptian challenge.

Korea 2 drew France 2
Goals: Korea - Jong Hyun Jang PC 5m, Hyo Sik You FG 31m; France - Julian Boyer FG 23m, Frederic Soyez 63m

France twice came from a goal down to score a much deserved draw against Korea, 2-2.

Both sides started at a frantic pace, with the Koreans counter attacking at any opportunity while the French were happier building their play from the back.

Korea led 2-1 at the break, however this was only after France’s captain, Frederic Soyez, had a penalty stroke saved with a febile attempt late in the half.

The second half developed into a scrappy affair, especially the longer it went on. One shining light, especially for Soyez, was when he converted a penalty corner late on to secure the point for the French.

New Zealand 4 beat China 1
Goals: New Zealand – Phillip Burrows FG 3m FG 29m, Simon Child FG 26m, Ben Collier FG 34m; China – Xian Tang Liu PC 69m

New Zealand began their tournament in fine style by scoring four goals in their opening half against the tournament hosts, China.

Three goals in eight minutes leading into halftime did the damage for New Zealand, with Philip Burrows netting twice in the half, the first courtesy of a piece of individual magic in which he dragged around the goalkeeper before netting one handed from a tight angle.

To China’s credit they did not give up, but New Zealand’s ability to possess the ball for long periods meant it was always going to be tough for China to score enough goals in the second half to win.

England 5 beat Ireland 1
Goals: England – Richard Mantell PC 23m PC 29m PC 54m PC 59m, Ben Hawes PS 49m; Ireland – John Jermyn PC 25m

England have comfortably beaten their close neighbours Ireland 5-1, relying heavily on Richard Mantell’s penalty corner flicking to win the match.

Mantell scored four of England’s goals and created a penalty stroke for their fifth, with another of his flicks being illegally stopped on the goal line. Ireland would be very disappointed with the result, but can be proud in the way they played as the scoreline did not reflect the match.

Both teams had a player yellow carded, England for a deliberate foul and Ireland for a rough tackle.

Japan 1 beat Malaysia 0
Goals: Japan - Takahiko Yamabori PC 53m

In the last match of the day, Japan has upset Malaysia 1-0 courtesy of a Takahiko Yamabori dragflick midway through the second half.

Both teams struggled to create goalscoring chances in what turned out to be a very scrappy match.

Malaysia would be very disappointed to not take any points out of the match and now have a crucial match on Friday against Korea. Japan on the other hand will be very happy to have three points but will need much improved performances if they are going to make the semifinals.

Pool B now have a rest day tomorrow Thursday, while the pool A teams will be playing their second round of group matches.