The sixth Pajulahti Games kicked off today in Nastola, Finland.  Those who braved the cold witnessed some strong performances along with a few surprises.

The defending women's world champions from the United States, looking for a third consecutive gold medal at these games, are off to a 3-0 start with victories over Turkey, Israel and Finland.

Lithuania also had a strong first day, soundly defeating Great Britain, Germany and Turkey.

It was an entirely different day for the defending Paralympic champions from Finland, who were winless against Sweden, Great Britain and Germany.  Finland is currently without the services of some key players who are recovering from injuries.

Day 1 results:

Men

Lithuania – Great Britain (10-3)
Germany – Turkey (12-9)
Finland – Sweden (3-4)
Lithuania – Germany (12-2)
Finland – Great Britain (2-5)
Turkey – Sweden (3-2)
Finland – Germany (4-9)
Sweden – Great Britain (10-3)
Turkey – Lithuania (3-13)

Women:

USA – Turkey (3-4)
Finland – Israel (1-4)
Russia – Ukraine (11-4)
USA – Israel (10-1)
Turkey – Russia (4-3)
Finland – Ukraine (3-2)
Russia – Israel (5-4)
Ukraine – Turkey (1-9)
Finland – USA (0-4)