Bermuda’s World Junior Tennis Team lost their first match in Group C against the hosts Dominican Republic on Monday.

Facing the No. 3 seeds in the pre-qualifying event for the Caribbean and North/Central American region, Tristan Pettit was selected to play the opening singles match and performed well despite losing 6-2, 6-4 to Camilo Rodriguez, with coach Terry Smith pleased with the display.

“It was a tough match,” Smith said. “Tristan played very well and served very well, his serve was up at about 85 percent. He moved his opponent round well but we probably made a few more errors than him and that’s what cost us the match.”

Tobiah Goodchild was next up for Bermuda and he faced a tough task against Isaac Guerrero, who is held in high regard and one of the stronger players in the tournament. Goodchild fought well before losing in straight sets.

“Tobiah was up against a player who has a pretty high ranking in this category,” Smith said.

“He was a solid player and had a big forehand. Tobiah was into the match and lost to a player with more experience. It’s pretty hot down here and that is bothering the kids a little bit.”

Pettit and Goodchild then teamed up in the doubles against Miguel Paquero and Rodriguez, with the Dominican pair winning 6-4, 6-1 to complete a 3-0 win.

“I think today was a little bit of getting the butterflies out and Dominican Republic are a high seed,” Smith said.

“We’ll get some rest and prepare for the next interesting fixture.”

Bermuda are next in action on Tuesday against Costa Rica.