Russia's rugby team kicked off their Hong Kong Sevens campaign with a 15-7 defeat of Japan on Friday.
Wing Vladimir Ostroushko's second-half try gave the Bears the win, putting them second in Pool F behind Portugal, who beat Guyana 19-0.
Russia touched down on 5 minutes through Dmitry Perov, with Alexander Yanyushkin converting, after Japan lock Yusaku Kuwazuru was sin-binned early on.
Yoshikazu Fujita went over two minutes later for Japan, and Katsuyuki Sakai's conversion sent the teams in tied 7-7 at the break.
Yanyushkin's kick sealed the win after Ostroushko went over three minutes into the second half.
The Bears play Guyana on Saturday.
Russia play in the Hong Kong Sevens' so-called competition two, which is essentially a qualifying event to join the top rugby nations in core competition one next year.
Russia will host next year’s Rugby World Cup Sevens.
