The first day of sports began once again in searing heat, with Nottingham UK contesting in Basketball, Squash, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball and Football.

The first match scheduled was Womens Basketball, which saw the UK take on Malaysia, sweeping them aside with easen 64-15 and hardly breaking a sweat in the process, which given the climatic conditions is quite something.

The second match on the Basketball court, however, saw a much closer encounter, with the UK mens side battling China. After an early scare when China soared to a 6 point lead in under 90 seconds, the UK hit back and ensured they got points on the board, entering halftime 18-21 down, still with all to play for. Another close fought half, saw the teams locked on 32 each, before a late spurt from the Chinese allowed them to race ahead once more, 45-32. Belligerent in the face of what looked like certain defeat, the UK managed to draw level again, but a last gasp 2 pointer from the Chinese ensured China had their first 2010 TCG victory.

Meanwhile, the Ultimate Frisbee team for the UK overcame a player deficit (brought about by heat sickness) to score an 11-3 victory over host side Malaysia, after working some smart plays under the midday sun, while squash also brought home another UK victory, with the skill of the British athletes proving too much for their Malaysian counterparts.

A brief lunch break was followed by a hotly contested Volleyball match between the UK and Malaysia. This saw the UK start slightly sluggishly, going behind quickly. After a time out-water break, with temperatures reaching highs of 36 degrees, they upped their performance, and eventually ran out worthy winners with a straight sets victory.

The final contest of the day was both the Mens and Womens Football. With no other sports left scheduled, most athletes sat on the Veranda of the Mayalsia Campus sports centre. Up first were the UK women against the Chinese, who were swept aside 8-0 by the much stronger UK side. This was followed by the mens match between the same two nations. China, backed by strong vocal support from their fellow athletes, began strongly, flash a free-kick just over from 20 yards. The UK, putting in a traditionally English perfomance were arguably second best against opposition they were expected to beat. However, they worked their way into the match with numerous efforts on goal, eventually having one ruled out for a dubious offside. However, their increasing dominance was rewarded with a goal 5 minutes before half time. China battled in the second half but missed a crucial chance after which they evidently tired, succumbing to a 4-0 defeat.

In the evening, a mutli-discipline Dodgeball event saw the Malaysians emerge victorious, with the UK grabbing second ahead of China. LAter on a general knowldge quiz saw the UK Tennis, Badminton and Men's Football teams take 1st 2nd and 3rd place respectively, earning the UK more points in the games.

So, an overall good start for Team Nottingham UK here in Malaysia. Check tommorrow for a report on the day's action.

FULL RESULTS OF TCG MALAYSIA 2010

Basketball

WOMENS: Malaysia 15-64 UK

MENS: China 47-45 UK

Squash

MENS: UK 8-1 Malaysia

WOMEN: UK 9-0 Malaysia

Badminton

MENS: Malaysia 11-0 China

WOMENS: Malaysia 3-8 China

Volleyball

UK 3-0 Malaysia

Ultimate Frisbee

Malaysia 3-11 UK

Tennis: Postponed due to rain

Football

WOMENS: UK 8-0 China

MENS: UK 4-0 China

Table Tennis

MENS: China 4-1 Malaysia

WOMENS: China 2-3 Malaysia

Dodgeball

Malaysia 31
UK 17
China 15