Emma Keane reflected on the overwhelming positives despite suffering elimination from the main draw of the squash competition at the Commonwealth Games today.

Having received a bye straight through to the round of 32, the 26-year-old national champion came up against a formidable opponent in Scotland’s Georgia Adderly, who secured progression with an 11-1, 11-3, 11-1 victory.

Despite the disappointment, Keane was left more than satisfied with her efforts on court, while remaining gracious in defeat.

“Georgia is an incredibly talented player who has a very neat and precise game,” she said. “The first game is always going to be a tough one with the emotions, jitters and nerves.

“It was such a great experience and I was very grateful to up against an opponent like her who is such great player.

“I feel like I stuck in for quite a few rallies. While the scoreline unfortunately didn't quite reflect that, from the effort the I feel I put in, I’m pretty happy with the performance and there are a lot of positives to take away from it.”

For Keane, the Games always held far greater significance than just her performance, with it not only being her maiden appearance but also as the first female to represent Bermuda in squash.

Having originally believed the spot would be allocated to a male player, Keane is even more appreciative that the she is the one to be given the opportunity to experience what is arguably the pinnacle of her discipline.

“Even before I stepped foot on court it was already special,” added Keane, who was also handed the honour of being Bermuda’s joint flag bearer for the opening ceremony alongside Dage Minors. “I arrived at the village and I said ‘this is the greatest day of my life’ without even having the chance to play squash yet.

“Being surrounded by all the talented athletes, coaches and support staff has been brilliant and every day is exciting for one reason or another. The experience has been phenomenal.

“These competitions are what we train for. We train because we love the sport but when you have a goal to work towards its so much easier to get up on those mornings where everything hurts; it keeps you pushing through.

“This is the first step in a big movement for female squash.”

Keane will return to action tomorrow in the plate competition.