Bridgetown badminton player Moya Ryan and her doubles partner Kate Frost were narrowly beaten in the opening round of the BWF World Championships, writes Ivan Smyth.

Ryan and Frost were beaten by Switzerland duo Aline Muller and Jenjira Stadelmann 24-22, 21-12 in Huelva, Spain.

The Irish duo won the Women’s Doubles title at the Irish National Badminton Championships in Blanchardstown two months ago.

Ryan and Frost trailed 14-9 in the opening game before a run of seven points without reply edged them ahead. They managed to move 20-16 in front and a point away from claiming the opening game.

However, the Switzerland duo showed their experience to level the game at 20 apiece. In badminton a team needs to win a game by two points. Muller and Stadelmann moved 21-20 and 22-21 ahead but both times Ryan and Frost responded.

The Irish pair were unable to get in front as they lost the opening game 24-22.

This was a big blow to their chances of progressing to the Round of 32. Muller and Stadelmann made their move early in the second game, building a 13-4 lead. They continued to press home their advantage before Ryan and Frost notched three points on the spin to cut their deficit to 19-12.

The Switzerland team held their composure to secure the two points necessary as the Irish duo can now reflect on a year which has seen them rocket up the rankings.