Young squash professional Nick Kyme endured a difficult start to life on the world tour, losing in the final round of qualifying at the Oklahoma City Open last week.

Kyme cruised through his first match, annihilating American Jared Sandler, ranked well below the Bermudian at 220 in the world, in straight games, 15-1, 15-0, 15-2.

The next day, however, Kyme faced a much stiffer challenge in the shape of Bo River, the Chicago-based player currently ranked just outside the top 100.

Despite dominating the early part of the first game and opening up a commanding 9-1 lead, Kyme was unable to maintain his advantage and in the searing Oklahoma heat, he eventually lost in three closely-contested games, 17-14, 15-6, 15-13.

Afterwards, the rookie was disappointed in defeat, although he might take heart from the fact that he presented a stiff challenge in what was his first professional tournament, to a player ranked 70 places above him.

"I am frustrated because I really did feel like I could have beaten him but I did not play well at all," he said.

"I completely outplayed him for much of the first game but for some reason my legs just gave out on me and I was off the pace, particularly moving forward. It was just one of those days.

"But the good thing is that even though I lost, I did not feel in any way outclassed and I know I will be able to beat players like him given a little more experience."

Kyme also talked favourably about the relationships he had built up while away on the brief trip.

"I was made to feel very welcome by the rest of the tour players and got some good advice about where I should base myself later in the year and other important things. It was a fantastic experience and hopefully will be the first of many."