The biggest Commonwealth Games started in Kuala Lumpur yesterday with a tropical downpour turning the cricket into a lottery and organisers putting a brave face on empty stands.
Competition started two days ahead of the official opening for the first Games staged in Asia, but one which will be crucial for the future of the event.
Cricket, hockey, rugby sevens and netball have been brought in for the first time to add to the event's international appeal which this year has drawn 4,000 athletes from 70 nations.
Australia's cricketers, led by Mark Waugh, opened their campaign with a nine-wicket thrashing of Canada in only two hours, while Sri Lanka hammered hosts Malaysia by seven-wickets.
But the Indian batsmen and Riley Jacobs' Antigua scurried for cover, along with Scotland and Pakistan teams at a nearby ground when the heavens opened.
India may have been saved from an embarrassing defeat, but the solitary point for the abandoned match was a major blow for Pakistan and the cricket contest risks being turned into a game chance if the daily downpours continue.
Pakistan immediately called for earlier starts and shorter matches to avoid storms. Organisers may run tomorrow's opening ceremony on another day if a downpour strikes.
Pakistan were also given a scare in the opening men's hockey when they only managed to beat minnows Kenya 5-4. Imran Yousaf scored four for the winners, but the African side came back from 4-2 to stretch the favourites.
Australia's men hammered India's ailing side 5-2 and the world champion Australian women, who have complained about the pitch being too dangerous to play on, destroyed Scotland 6-0.
Even when the sun was out, athletes were not happy. A Games village spokesman said athletes were "drinking like crazy" to avoid dehydration in the 34 degrees centigrade temperatures in Kuala Lumpur.
Suzana Bujang from the host nation's synchronised swimming team fainted in the heat during training yesterday. There were precious few spectators in the cricket grounds, despite the big names on display like world number one batsman, Sachin Tendulkar and West Indies bowler Curtley Ambrose.
Malaysia's Youth and Sports Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin emphasised the importance of hosting the 16th Commonwealth Games describing it as the country's showcase to the world.
Muhyiddin insisted that the Games would be a success that would lead to Malaysia winning its bid to host the 2006 Asian Games. Malaysia has also has ambitions to stage an Olympics.
