Switzerland posted a shock 5-4 victory over defending champions the Netherlands at the 2018 International Wheelchair and Amputee Sport (IWAS) Powerchair Hockey World Championships in Lignano Sabbiadoro on Thursday (27 September).

The Swiss broke an unbeaten Dutch run that had lasted an incredible eight years.

It was at the 2010 Worlds final when Germany overcame the orange army, also in Lignano Sabbiadoro, that the Netherlands last lost a match.

Elsewhere in the group stages newcomers Canada suffered a 22-0 loss to a much more experienced Italian side, competing at home.

Australia then came onto the field to take on 2014 silver medallists Belgium. In a game that showed the increasing level of the sport down under, the kangaroos fought hard. However the more experienced Belgian side had the edge over the opponents, winning 12-3.

In the late afternoon it was the turn of Germany and Denmark to entertain the crowds.

The Germans grabbed the points with a 6-1 victory.

The final match of the day saw Canada and the Netherlands in action once again.

The Dutch bounced back from their earlier defeat against Switzerland to secure 33 goals without reply from the North American side.

Action continues in Italy on Friday (28 September) with more group games.

Eight teams are going for the title – Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Australia, Germany and Switzerland.

The 2018 IWAS Powerchair Hockey World Championships run from 24 September – 1 October.

Live coverage, results and more information is available at the official Championships website.