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RESULTS: CROATIA 6-8 JAPAN, HONG KONG 0-8 GERMANY

The German pair of former World Pool Champions Thorsten Hohmann and Ralf Souquet looked all business as they ran away with their first round match as they hammered Hong Kong 8-0.

The Hong Kong duo of Kenny Kwok and Lee Chenman didn't get too many opportunities as the Germans kept them away from table with precision play throughout.

Hohmann, playing in his first World Cup of Pool looked outstanding throughout as they limited the Hong Kong team's opportunities.

"If I could choose any player in the world to play scotch doubles with it would be Ralf," said Hohmann.

"We had a lot of fun out there and it was great to be involved," he added.

Souquet was delighted to get the first match out of the way: "Hong Kong could not show much of their skills. Playing doubles is much harder but it worked very well today. Thorsten played extremely well; he played almost perfectly and that made it easy for the both of us."

"Winning this match was a big confidence boost but there are so many great teams here. For us the next step is France which will be tough because they played great in their first match and it will not be easy but we're looking forward to it," added Souquet.

5.05pm: Japan claim the next rack to move to the hill but Stojanovic has a chance for Croatia in the next rack. However, he heads back to his chair dejected as he misses the 1-ball and realises that may be the last shot his country make in the competition. It is and Japan seal a fantastic fightback to win 8-6. FINAL SCORE: JAPAN 8-6 CROATIA.

4.53pm: The prediction is correct as Hijikata pots the 9-ball. That is the cue for a number of Japanese flags to be waved in the crowd. This match is set for a thrilling conclusion and both sides will fancy their chances.

4.51pm: A solid break from Hijikata leaves Kawabata a shot at the 1-ball and it would be a surprise if the Asian side did not make it 6-5 in the near future.

4.50pm: Japan move through the balls but get lucky at the end as Kawabata's shot on the 9-ball rattles around in the jaws of the pocket but it finally drops and the score is now 6-4 to Croatia.

4.47pm: Croatia are two away from victory but Putnik's foul on the break at the start of the tenth rack brings Japan back in action.

4.45pm: It's an impressive performance from the Croatians and they have silenced the Japanese supporters. They move three ahead by winning the ninth and now lead 6-3.

4.35pm: The eighth rack is dominated by a long safety exchange before Putnik grabs his jump cue. He clears the 6-ball, connects with the 4-ball but is annoyed as it hangs over the pocket. However the 6-ball comes to his rescue as it is positioned in between the cue ball and the 4-ball. Hijikata's kick shot finds its target but somehow stays out. Croatia take advantage and restore their two-rack advantage.

4.32pm: That's just what Japan need and they make no mistakes as they pull one back.

4.27pm: The seventh rack starts with a foul as Putnik's break sees the cue ball jump off the table and land on the floor.

4.25pm: Japan have a great opportunity to tie things up and it looks on the cards when Hijikata banks the 4-ball but his fine shot is in vein as Kawabata soon misses the green 6 and Stojanovic later makes it 4-2 to Croatia. They have now won three racks in a row.

4.05pm: We're back and Croatia have come back stronger from the break and claim the next two racks to move into a 3-2 lead.

3.50pm: We're just having some power problems at the moment but we'll be back soon.

3.43pm: But Japan are soon in front again as Hijikata pots the 9-ball and the scoreboard shows 2-1.

3.40pm: Japan take the opener and look well-placed to take the second as well. However, Kawabata misses an attempt at the green 6 and that lets in the Croatians to equal the score.

3.35pm: The latest match is between Croatia and Japan. The Croatian duo of Ivica Putnik and Philipp Stojanovic meet the Japanese pairing of Satoshi Kawabata and Hiyata Hijikata.