Bermuda picked up a point against Italy in their opening match at the Masters World Ball Hockey Championships in the United States on Wednesday.

Chris Jackson scored for Bermuda in regualtion time with the score tied at 1-1 after three 15-minute periods. With no side able to break the deadlock in sudden death the game went to a shoot-out, with Italy triumphant 2-1.

Paul Paradine, the Bermuda coach, was full of praise for goalkeeper Derek Farmer for his excellent display.

“I’m extremely proud of how the team performed in our first game of the tournament, taking a strong Italian team to shoot-out,’’ Paradine said.

“Our goalie, Derek Farmer, put on a phenomenal performance and allowed us to come away with a valuable point for our efforts heading into game two.

“The team improved each and every period, and as a coach that is exactly what I like to see as we build team chemistry and momentum throughout the tournament.”

Vice-captain Jeremy Estey was also pleased by the team’s performance in their opening match of the competition.

“The first game is always tough, so I’m proud of how the team did,’’ Estey said.

“We didn’t get the win but we took the game to a shoot-out and came away with a point. Our goalie was fantastic and player of the game. As a team, we played better each period and have some solid momentum.”

Bermuda face Haiti in their second match in group B tonight before taking on Slovakia and Canada Saskatchewan a day later.