Bermuda endured a baptism of fire during yesterday’s opening day of the 2014 Cotecc Under-12 Masters Tournament in Mexico.

The Island’s team of Trey Mallory and Benjamin Jones suffered a 3-0 whitewash in their opening series with the host country to get their campaign off on the back foot.

Bermuda were to forced to play catch up after Jones lost the opening singles match against Emiliano Aquilera 6-0, 6-4.

The victory placed the Mexicans on match point and they would not be denied as Mallory went down 7-5, 6-4 in a hard-fought battle with Mario Duron in the remaining singles match.

“Trey’s match was very competitive and at a high level,” Steve Bean, the Bermuda coach, said. “He could have won it but lost two close sets.”

With the series already decided, Bermuda had nothing but pride to play for in the doubles match which they lost 6-1, 6-4.

Bermuda will now look to turn their fortunes around when they take on Guatemala today.

“Guatemala are tough but I think we can bounce back,” Bean said. “We were very competitive in Trey’s match and if he plays a little better tomorrow (today) I like his chances in singles.

“Ben will be the dark in his match but could pull off an upset.”

Costa Rica is the other team in Bermuda’s group.

Mexico I, Dominican Republic, Bahamas and Jamaica make up the remaining group at the tournament.

“Both groups are tough but we are determined not to leave Mexico without a victory,” Bean added.

The eventual top two countries in Mexico will advance to the next round of the Cotecc Under-12 Masters Tournament, where they will battle it out against the United States and Canada for a place in the finals to be held in Europe.

Bermuda advanced to the second round of the tournament after placing second among the English Speaking Countries in the first round held in St Lucia in August.