World number one the United States and Europe’s top-ranked nation Austria might have opened their Group A campaigns at The World Games with wins but were pushed all the way in the first two games of the tournament by Canada and China.

And flag football now has a new contender on the world stage in China and a new superstar in the making in China’s do it all offensive spark Wen Ze Lin.

USA outlasted their North American rivals Canada 39-31 in the opening game in Chengdu, while China pushed Austria all the way, falling just two points short in a high-scoring 47-45 defeat.

All games are streamed live at The World Games Live from the Chengdu No. 7 High School Eastern Campus Athletics Field and the full schedule and score updates are available at the official website of The World Games. Team rosters are available here.

History was made when Chinese quarterback Xin Yu Niu connected with Lin for the first ever play in China’s national team history then Niu found Xin Wang in the end zone for their nation’s debut touchdown. Lin caught three touchdowns, rushed for one score, reeled in two extra points and threw for a touchdown to delight the home crowd.

Austria spoiled the party as quarterback Saskia Stribrny threw for seven touchdowns with Franziska Sottner, Karoline Kulger and Magdalena Helm reeling in two each, the decisive score being Helm’s end zone grab with only eight seconds remining in the game. Sophie Spitzer produced two critical defensive plays, batting down a pass in the end zone and pulling a Chinese flag as time ran out in the first half with the hosts poised to score.

The first game of the eight-team competition saw the 2022 World Games beaten finalists the United States stunned on the second play of the game as Canada quarterback Sara Parker found Emma Racine in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown. Trailing 7-0, USA hit back immediately as veteran passer Vanita Krouch hit Izzy Geraci for the first of her team-leading three touchdown grabs.

The game was too close to call as Canada led 19-18 at halftime but a safety forced by Amber Clark-Robinson and a Madison Fulford touchdown opened a 14-point lead for the world champions. Canada clawed their way back to within eight points, but the American defense held firm to deny their rivals.

Photo: Ernesto Campuzano