Mexico began its defense of The World Games crown with a 41-24 win over Japan, while world champions and number one ranked USA won both their opening games in Chengdu.
The first day of action also featured a 26-13 victory over Italy by European champions Great Britain and wins for Austria and Canada over host nation China, whose international debut came within one play of securing an historic win.
All games are streamed live at The World Games Live which also hosts replays of every flag football game. The full schedule and score updates are available at the official website of The World Games.
Group A
USA 39 Canada 31
Austria 47 China 45
USA 48 Austria 34
Canada 48 China 12
Standings
USA 2-0
Canada 1-1
Austria 1-1
China 0-2
The first game of the eight-team competition saw the 2022 World Games beaten finalists the United States stunned on the second play of the contest as Canada quarterback Sara Parker found Emma Racine in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown. Trailing 7-0, USA hit back immediately as veteran passer Vanita Krouch hit Izzy Geraci for the first of her team-leading three touchdown grabs.
The game was too close to call as Canada led 19-18 at halftime but a safety forced by Amber Clark-Robinson and a Madison Fulford touchdown opened a 14-point lead for the world champions. Canada clawed their way back to within eight points, but the American defense held firm to deny their rivals.
In the day’s second game, history was made when Chinese quarterback Xin Yu Niu connected with Wen Ze Lin for the first ever play in China’s national team history then Niu found Xin Wang in the end zone for their nation’s debut touchdown. Livewire Lin caught three touchdowns, rushed for one score, reeled in two extra points and threw for a touchdown to delight the home crowd.
Austria spoiled the party in an agonizingly close 47-45 win as quarterback Saskia Stribrny threw for seven touchdowns with Franziska Sottner, Karoline Kulger and Magdalena Helm reeling in two each. Austria’s decisive come from behind score was Helm’s end zone grab with only eight seconds remining in the game.
Canada bounced back from their opening defeat with a 48-12 win over China, while the United States claimed top spot in Group A, beating a determined Austria 48-34.
Group B
Great Britain 26 Italy 13
Mexico 41 Japan 24
Standings
Mexico 1-0
Great Britain 1-0
Japan 0-1
Italy 0-1
Great Britain recovered from conceding a touchdown on the first possession of their first-ever appearance at The World Games to defeat Italy 26-13. Hannah Elliott scored on a rushing touchdown to tie things up before Emily Kemp reeled in the first of her two receiving touchdowns for a narrow 13-7 halftime lead.
Italy leveled as veteran quarterback Carolina Sgroi found Giada Zocca after the break, but an interception from Marta Mathews, who was dominant on both sides of the ball, set up a Kemp rushing score for a lead that GB would not relinquish. Quarterback Jess Allen settled in after some early nerves and threw her second scoring pass of the contest and an extra point to Kemp for an unassailable 13-point lead.
Mexico’s potent offense had too much firepower for Japan as the defending champions raced ahead early on to secure a 41-24 victory. Star quarterback Diana Flores threw five touchdowns and tagged on the tournament’s first two-point conversions as five different Mexican receivers hauled in scoring grabs. Victoria Chavez led the way with two receiving touchdowns, while Silvia Contreras had one on the ground and one in the air.
Japan’s Chihiro Iwata threw for four touchdowns in the losing effort with Omi Yurika leading her team as she claimed two scores.
The action continues at 9am local time on Friday (2am CET / 9pm Thursday US EST) with the conclusion of the group stages to determine the matchups in the knockout stages.