The opening day of the IWBF Central America and Caribbean Championship saw Costa Rica beat the Dominican Republic 70-24, as well as defending champions Mexico and Puerto Rico win ©CentroBasket BSR Costa Rica 2018

Defending champions Mexico beat Nicaragua 75-54 to win their opening game of the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) Central America and Caribbean Championship in the Costa Rican capital of San Jose.

Action was brought forward by a day after Guatemala and Honduras withdrew from the Championship but this did not seem to affect Mexico as they got off to a resounding start at the Gimnasio Nacional in San Jose. 

"Our first meeting was a bit tight, it was a good match, fortunately the boys started to run and little by little things were happening," said Mexico's coach Pablo Largas.

The second game of the day saw Puerto Rico beat El Salvador 59-35, while Costa Rica dominated against the Dominican Republic, securing a 70-24 win. 

Defending champions Mexico beat Nicaragua in their opening game of the IWBF Central America and Caribbean Championship ©CentroBasket BSR Costa Rica 2018
Defending champions Mexico beat Nicaragua in their opening game of the IWBF Central America and Caribbean Championship ©CentroBasket BSR Costa Rica 2018

Qualification for the 2019 Parapan American Games in Lima awaits the two top teams of the competition.

Tomorrow's action is due to see Nicaragua against the Dominican Republic, El Salvador meet Mexico and Costa Rica come up against Puerto Rico. 

The Championship's Opening Ceremony is also scheduled to take place tomorrow.