By Elizabeth Hudson BBC Sport in Manchester

GB were pushed hard for their victory

Great Britain's men's and women's wheelchair basketball teams both made successful starts to their Paralympic World Cup campaigns.

The men claimed a hard-fought 58-51 victory over the United States in their opening game in Manchester.

The experienced Simon Munn led the way for Murray Treseder's side with 17 points and 20 rebounds.

The women were successful on the double, beating Brazil 51-44 before a fine 54-47 win over China game.

To be honest, I'm surprised with the victory because we are still in the early stages of our preparations for the Beijing Paralympics," Treseder told BBC Sport.

"The USA are one of the top three teams in the world so this was a very good result but we will not get carried away - this is one game and we have 45 more before Beijing."

The men took control of the game late in the second quarter and held a 34-29 interval advantage and they looked set for victory.

The USA came back into the game with Matt Scott, Jason Nelmes and Jeff Glasbrenner leading the charge before Jaime Mazzi levelled it at 46-apiece with a three-pointer with a little over four minutes to play.

OLYMPICS BLOG The programme is just a taster of what will be on offer in Beijing BBC Sport's Elizabeth Hudson, who will be reporting on the event from Manchester

But Joe Bestwick played a big role in the closing moments of the game, scoring eight points in a row to help GB to a seven-point win.

"We have been trying to install a new culture into this team and by 2012, spectators will see a team who will never give up," added Treseder.

A pleased Bestwick admitted: "This is a very important time for us all with the squad for Beijing being selected shortly.

"I had a patchy start to the game but the end was important so there are good and bad things to take from the display but it is the start we would have wanted at this tournament."

The women were in control in both of their matches against Brazil, who they will also face in Beijing, and China.

They raced into a 14-4 lead against Brazil and with Clare Strange (11 points) and Caroline Matthews (10) finding their range, they ran out comfortable winners.

When we play well and start well, we are hard to stop GB coach Garry Peel

They took a 22-2 advantage against China but the Chinese came back into the game in the last quarter, closing the gap to six point (46-40) before emerging victorious.

Sally Wager, who top-scored on 22 points said: "We're delighted with the result - it's always a big team effort when we win."

"We knew that the Chinese would be tough - last year they had composure and regime to their play and maybe lacked a bit of fitness but they have gotten a lot better this year.

GB coach Garry Peel admitted he was pleased with the way his players had started both game.

"Our starts were what won us both games but when I started making changes and trying things out we let the tempo slip a bit which is something we will have to work on," he said.

"But when we play well and start well, we are hard to stop."