He might not have managed a David vs Goliath upset in the biggest game of his life, but the Endurance World Open curtain raiser was still a night to remember for Bermuda's James Stout.

The severe underdog, who only gained entry into squash's showpiece via a wild card, was cheered on by an unashamedly partisan crowd in the spectacular auditorium at Fairmont Southampton Princess last night.

But despite his courageous efforts, Stout was never able to sufficiently test top-ranked Aussie Stewart Boswell, bowing out 11-5, 11-3, 11-4 in 25 minutes.

"It was a special night for me and one that I will never forget," said Stout, who received a deafening ovation as he stepped onto the all-glass court.

"I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who supported me, it's been a great experience."

Stout's victor Boswell also showed his appreciation of the Islander's performance complimenting him heavily on his showing during the first game.

"I thought he played well on what must have been a difficult night for him with the expectations. He played especially well in the first game when I was not holding back at all," he said.

Amr Shabana "The Prince of Cairo" had earlier reigned supreme in the opening match with a classy showing against gutsy challenger Renan Lavigne.

The two-time world champ and current number one outlined his title credentials, seeing off France's Lavigne in four absorbing games.

Not that Shabana had it all his own way with Lavigne winning plenty of admirers inside the near full venue with his 'never say die' gusto.

But in truth his tenaciously aggressive brand of play could not match the supreme court craft of Egyptian Shabana who always seemed in cruise control.

While Lavigne appeared to be straining his every sinew to stay within striking distance of his opponent, Shabana glided around the court with an effortless swagger befitting of a world number one, taking the first two games 11-9 and 11-8.

Lavigne did stage a mini-comeback winning the third game 11-7, before Shabana bounced back to claim the final game 11-9.

"It was a tough match and there are no easy games against the top ranked players in the world," said Shabana.

"I feel great and injury free, and it's a pleasure to play here in Bermuda at such a great arena. The organisers have done a great job."

Reigning world champion and Bermudian resident David Palmer made a solid start to his title defence, beating Canadian qualifier Shawn Delierre.

Aussie Palmer, who is gunning for his third world title, breezed past Delierre 11-4, 11-4, 11-5.

Wales'Alex Gough, the oldest player on the squash circuit, beat Lee Beachill 4-11, 11-8, 5-11, 11-4, 11-5 in the last match of the night.