Fujifilm World Junior Men's Squash Championships in Hong Kong but gained knowledge and also managed to leave a favourable impression with organisers.

The United States, South Africa, Kuwait and Kenya each defeated the local trio of Chris Darrell, Mel Caines and Nick Kyme 3-0 in the final four matches as Bermuda finished at the bottom of the 24-member tournament.

In fact Tommy Sherratt, forced out of weekend action with a back injury, was the only member to win a match over the two-week period as he prevailed 3-0 over a Kenyan player during the individual phase of competition.

This scenario was not unexpected though as the venture had been viewed at the outset as an opportunity for the youngsters to gain experience competing at the highest level. Coach Julian Rose said that great strides had been made by the squad during the event.

"I'm very happy with the way things have gone,'' said Rose, Bermuda's top senior player. "They've improved a lot while playing and have picked up the standard quite quickly, which should help them in other tournaments.

"It was a real shock to them as to just how hard they have to train in order to compete and the discipline required to reach the next level.'' Winners of the tournament were Australia as they gained sweet revenge against defending champions England, who had deposed them in 1990 when the roles were reversed.

With their first-ever world championships appearance behind them, Rose said that the Bermuda Squash Racquets Association can go about formulating a five-year plan.

"We have a lot of ideas at the moment,'' he said. "We're really trying to put together a long-term plan to get us to a position to do well on the world stage.''