Domestic stock markets on Wednesday opened sharply higher with a gap-up start, tracking positive global cues from US and Asian markets amid hopes of de-escalation in the West Asia conflict -- now in the 33rd day of the conflict. The 50-scrip Nifty opened at 22,899, rising 567 points or 2.54 per cent, while Sensex began session up 1,814 points, or 2.52 per cent, at 73,762.43.