The Twilight Saga: Eclipse launched yesterday in 21 international markets, earning an estimated $16.2 million. While it came just short of topping The Twilight Saga: New Moon's opening day record domestically, Eclipse had no problem out-grossing its predecessor's launch in nearly all overseas territories.

Russia led the way with an estimated $3.9 million, which more than doubled New Moon's $1.9 million debut. In Italy, Eclipse tallied an estimated $3.1 million, up from New Moon's $2.9 million opening last November. This represents the third-best opening day ever in Italy.

In the Philippines, Eclipse grossed $1.2 million, which was way ahead of New Moon's $741,000. If the estimate holds, Eclipse will top Spider-Man 3 for best opening day ever there. Eclipse also registered the highest opening day ever in Belgium, where it grossed an estimated $1.1 million.

Eclipse also had impressive starts in Sweden ($1.04 million), Norway ($847,000), Denmark ($739,000), Turkey ($658,000), Poland ($558,000), Greece ($548,000), South Africa ($372,000), Finland ($333,000) and Hungary ($177,000).

Eclipse opened today in Spain, Australia and Mexico as well as many smaller territories, and it hits major markets France, Germany, South Korea and Japan in the coming weeks.

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