Rhys Dowling wins on Commonwealth Games debut

Photo credit: PSA

Rhys Dowling is through the next round of the men's singles at Birmingham 2022 after beating St. Vincent & Grenadines' Jason Doyle 3-0 on Friday night (AEST).

Making his Commonwealth Games debut, the 27-year-old said it was a fantastic feeling to be out on the glass court at the University of Birmingham.

"It was so good to be out there in front of a packed crowd," he said. "The atmosphere was unbelievable and it was good to get a win."

"I was trying to have a bit of fun out there and not let the nerves take control of me."

Dowling shot out of the gate at 1-7 in the first game before rattling off three more points to make it 1-0.

He continued where he left off in the first, using his quick play at the front of the court to build another solid lead in the second game. While Doyle had some tricks up his sleeve, which he managed to execute, Dowling was still in control and saw out the second 11-2.

The third opened with a great rally between the two opponents as Doyle looked to get back in the game as he tried to shift the pace. While the St. Vincent & Grenadines athlete was able to get reach within reach of Dowling early on in the piece, the Aussie remained calm and was rewarded for his practice with some sweet forehands.

Another nicely played rally towards the back end of the match showed the skill of both Dowling and Doyle, with the latter diving to reach the ball to make a hit. 

However, in the end, Dowling booked his place in the Round of 32 with an 11-5 win in the third game. 

"He hit a few good shots there that threw me off guard a little bit but I'm going to stay solid and focus on my next round," Dowling said.

He will now face Ivan Yuen Chee Wern of Malaysia on Saturday night (AEST).

For the full schedule and results from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, click here.