BISHKEK, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Group A matches in the third division of the Ice Hockey World Championship began here on Sunday.

The six teams competing in the Kyrgyz capital are Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, South Africa, Luxembourg, Turkmenistan and Thailand.

The winner will receive a ticket to the Group B second division, while the bottom team will be relegated to Group B's third division.

In opening day action, South Africa beat Mexico 6-3, Luxembourg edged Turkmenistan 4-3, and hosts Kyrgyzstan lost to Thailand 9-4.

The tournament ends on Saturday.