Eight-time champions, India routs Russia 10- 0 in their opening match of the International Federation of Hockey men's series Finals which began in Bhubaneswar today.

Harmanpreet Singh and Akashdeep Singh scored braces as six others got on the scoresheet. Earlier, USA stunned higher-ranked South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of FIH Hockey Series Finals while Poland thrashed Uzbekistan 4-0.

While the result of the Pool B match between the USA and South Africa came as a big surprise, the 21st ranked Poland was expected to beat the Uzbeks, ranked 43rd, in the opening Pool A encounter. Poland will next play India in their second match tomorrow.

By virtue of their win, USA now enjoys a 1-1 head-to-head record against South Africa. The USA will take on Mexico in their next match on Saturday while South Africa will be up against Asian Games gold medallist Japan.

Poland, Russia, Uzbekistan South Africa, Japan, USA, Mexico including host country India will battle it out for two places in the FIH Olympic Qualifiers scheduled to be held in October-November later this year.