Split across premier, junior and senior categories, the dragon boat races also include standard and small boat divisions.

The World Championships began in Pattaya with the 2,000 metre races, and the US mixed team claimed the first gold in the standard boat class.

The US team crossed the line in 8min 26sec for victory as China and Indonesia completed the top three in 8:27.863 and 8:31.133 respectively.

The small boat premier title was won by Italy who had a five-second margin over hosts Thailand in second.

Italy secured gold in 9:39.525 as their Thai rivals finished in 9:44.586.

Canada took bronze in 9:47.544.

Thailand also enjoyed a successful first day with four victories across the junior classes.

They won the junior A mixed and open titles and the under-24 open final in the standard boat division, which sees 10 rows of between 18 and 20 rowers, along with one drummer and one steerer.

A 30-second victory produced their best result of the day as they won the women's junior A title in 9:21.063.

Australia were second in 9:58.476 with Canada third in 9:59.422.

In the small boat division, which includes five rows of between eight and 10 rowers, along with their drummer and steerer, Spain claimed the senior A mixed title in 9:53.401.

Philippines finished second in 10:19.309 despite a 10-second time penalty as Thailand finished third on 10:25.130.

The championships continue tomorrow with races over 1,000m.