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Bermuda's involvement in the World Open may have ended almost as swiftly as it began.

But the five local entrants still received the acclaim of the island's squash fans for their efforts over the weekend.

James Stout took centre stage on Sunday, going down to Aussie Stewart Boswell in three straight sets, in what was an unforgettable night for the young Bermudian.

And his fellow competitors - Nick Kyme, Patrick Foster, Mel Caines and Chase Toogood - got similar treatment in the qualifying tournament at the Devonshire squash club on Friday.

But national coach Foster, who came closest to taking a game from his opponent - Julian Illingworth, said he was still proud of the Bermudian effort and overwhelmed by the reception of the fans.

Speaking after the qualifying round on Friday, he said:

"We were all up against it, we all said before we played that it was unrealistic to expect any of us to win, but we weren't embarrassed.

"Nick Kyme played some fantastic squash at times and showed he is still at that level, in terms of skill. Chase (Toogood) and Mel (Caines) did really well in their games against top class opponents.

"This is a very physically demanding sport and these are some of the toughest athletes in the world that we were up against. It was unrealistic to think we could train for a couple of months and be able to beat them - we had to train for a couple of months just to be able to hang in there."

Foster said the support of the crowd on Friday - something which was replicated on a larger scale when Stout took to the court on Sunday - had been immense.

"I was just overwhelmed by the amount of people who supported us. I don't know where they all came from on a Friday afternoon. I think there were a lot of kids that I teach and parents as well as friends around Bermuda and club members.

"There were big crowds for every game we played and it meant a lot to get that kind of support."

Foster, who had played and beaten several of the guys in the qualifying draw during his pro career, said it had been tougher than he expected after a few years off the circuit as a club coach.

"I didn't expect there to be so many people out there cheering. My plan was to try and get ahead early but I was nervous and tense and I didn't get going.

"He was better than me from the first game. When I came off the court I had nothing else to give.

"If you come off the court tired and with nothing else left after somebody's beat you then I've got no problem with that."

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