Venezuela dispatched France to pull off a major surprise and steal the plaudits during a pulsating opening day at the ITF Beach Tennis World Cup on Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro.

No. 4 seeds France had little answer to the enterprise and energy of Venezuela as Group D was blown wide open as beach tennis joined the international team competition extravaganza being dubbed the ITF’s November to Remember.

Venezuela were simply irresistible with the experienced Paty Diaz joining rookie Gabriela Anzola to outmanoeuvre French sisters Marie-Eve and Mathilde Hoarau before Ramon Guedez and Carlos Vigon united to considerable effect.

Guedez and Vigon defeated Nicolas Gianotti and Theo Irigaray, a duo crowned European champions last month, despite trailing 5-0 in the second set. Their victory fired Venezuela into an unassailable lead, and despite France replying in the mixed doubles, Venezuela were triumphant.

“We knew it was going to be a battle, but we were always positive,” Diaz told itftennis.com. “I’ve never played with Gabriela. It was her first match representing our country. It is difficult to deal with that pressure, but she was very courageous and positive.

“All the team is working hard with good practice and that makes the difference. I am so happy and proud of my team. Now we just need to keep the same intensity and hunger.”

Three other much-fancied nations had no such trouble as defending champions Brazil, four-time competition winners Italy and Spain all made winning starts to their respective title charges after posting resounding 3-0 victories.

Top seeds Italy overpowered Japan with pairings Sofia Cimatti and Giulia Gasparri, Michele Cappelletti and Mattia Spoto, and Ninny Valentini and Doriano Beccaccioli all chalking up comprehensive wins.

“It is always a pleasure to represent your country, especially here in this unique atmosphere where everybody is motivated,” Cappelletti told itftennis.com. “We will try to do our best to win the title.”

Cappelletti is not averse to a changing hairstyle and after he and Antomi Ramos claimed victory at September’s ITF Beach Tennis World Championships in Terracina, the duo dyed their hair. Should Italy prevail in Rio, the suggestion is there will be mass hair dying.

“After we won in Terracina, Antomi and I fulfilled the promise to dye our hair, now he has changed to blue – I don’t know why, he is a little bit crazy,” Cappelletti added. “But if we are able to win the World Cup, we are all going to change our hair style.”

Gasparri has suggested pink – watch this space.

It is not all about hair styles for world No. 1 Ramos, however, and he duly delivered on court as No. 3 seeds Spain thrashed Thailand. He and Ariadna Costa teamed up in the mixed doubles to dispatch Nikarat Wateenukit and Olan Tungwongkit and power Spain into a 3-0 lead.

Brazil, meanwhile, recorded an equally emphatic victory against Latvia with the showing notable for the performances of two debutants, Allan Oliveira and Vitoria Marchezini. Both delivered with distinction.

“A better debut was impossible,” Oliveira told itftennis.com. “I am very happy, very honoured and very blessed to defend this nation alongside the whole team. Now it's about staying focused and confident.”

ITF Beach Tennis World Cup

Results – day 1

Group A

Italy 3-0 Japan

Puerto Rico 3-0 Portugal

Group B

Brazil 3-0 Latvia

Poland 3-0 Curaçao

Group C

Spain 3-0 Thailand

Germany 3-0 Chile

Group D

Venezuela 2-1 France

USA 3-0 South Africa