Badminton delivered Barbados’ first taste of action at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, but the national team fell 4-1 to Venezuela as the island’s 140-plus athlete delegation began its campaign in the Dominican Republic on Thursday.

Barbadian Kennie King defeated Ricardo Torres 21-18,11-21, 21-5, while Monyata Riviera lost in straight sets to Mariangel Garcia 14-21, 19-21.

In men’s doubles action the Venezuelan pair defeated King and Shae Martin 21-15, 21-15, while the Barbadian duo of Riviera and Sabrina Scott was defeated 21-14, 21-18 in the women’s encounter.