Six-time winners Japan kicked off their Group F campaign with a 5-0 win over Guam while defending champions DPR Korea were unstoppable in a 15-0 triumph against Saudi Arabia in Group A.

 

Korea Republic, champions in 2003 and 2013, defeated Timor-Leste 9-0 while China PR, who lifted the trophy in 2006, opened their Group E challenge with a 6-0 win against Syria.

 

The teams will be back in action on Friday with the eight group winners and the overall three best runners-up to join hosts Thailand at next year's Finals.

 

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