Dowling to open Commonwealth Games competition for Aussies

The Australian squash fraternity will welcome another Commonwealth Games representative today when Rhys Dowling steps onto court for the first day of competition in Birmingham.

The 27-year-old will be the sole member of the Australian contingent in action on day one, with all three female singles athletes, Jess Turnbull, Donna Lobban and Australian flagbearer Rachael Grinham, receiving byes in the first round of competition.

Dowling will face St Vincent and Grenadines competitor Jason Doyle on Show Court at 1:15pm (local time)/10:15pm (AEST).

Doyle is competing at his third Commonwealth Games after making his debut as a 16-year-old at Glasgow 2014 playing in the men's doubles event. On the Gold Coast, the then 20-year-old reached the Plate semi-final in the men's singles and also participated in the men's doubles event once again.

He will also make history as the first squash player from the Northern Territory to compete at the Commonwealth Games.

Dowling said he has dreamt of making his Commonwealth Games debut for years, and can’t quite believe that he’s finally made it.

“I’ve always wanted to represent Australia at the Commonwealth Games. I’ve watched plenty of the Australian teams so I’ve always wanted to put on the green and gold,” Dowling said.

“There will be a lot of emotions when I step on the court but I’m going to try to put those aside and play my best and make Australia proud,” he said.

The squash competition is being played at the University of Birmingham Squash Centre, with the action live and free on 7plus.