SMILING your way through a first round defeat is not the usual stance for the TOTAL BWF World Championships, but try telling that to Erskine’s Rebekka Findlay.

Teaming up with fellow Scot Caitlin Pringle, the scoreline wasn’t to go the way of Findlay in Glasgow’s Emirates Arena, losing 21-12 21-10 to Emilie Lefel and Anne Tran of France.

But when you’ve got your loved ones roaring you on from the sidelines, even a loss can turn into the experience of a lifetime.

That’s exactly what Findlay was keen to revel in, returning to the scene of her 2014 Commonwealth Games debut in the Emirates under the attention of Court 1.

“We had a game plan, but they made it really difficult to play the game that we wanted to play,” she said.

“We did our best and still enjoyed it. Having family and friends in the crowd is definitely the best thing about it being in Glasgow.

“It’s not very often that we get to play in front of our family and friends anymore, normally we’re away in a different country.

“So being able to play with them watching us is really great.”

More than 40 nations have descended on Glasgow’s Emirates Arena for the event, the third time the World Championships have visited the city since 1997.

And having got their first taste of what it’s like to compete on the highest stage, Findlay and Pringle are now determined to make sure that this is not their last.

But the two remain aware that they still have more to give, hoping to kick the game forward to a new level – all thanks to their World Championships experience.

“We just went out there and really wanted to enjoy ourselves however the French brought a really solid game, but we did our best and enjoyed ourselves,” added Findlay.

“When we were on court, you definitely get a buzz with the whole crowd behind you with the added inspiration of your family being there to support you as well.

“Hopefully we can now build on that going forward.”

The Total BWF World Championships 2017 are being staged at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena from 21-27 August.

It is being delivered by Badmintonscotland in partnership with Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council and with funding support from EventScotland and The National Lottery through UK Sport.

Tickets available at www.glasgow2017.com/tickets.