Rossi started the day with a comprehensive 21-10, 21-10 victory over Australia’s Chauncey Yu before securing a walkover following home player Jun Zong Kayson Goh’s decision to withdraw.

"I’m so happy to be here and enjoy it on the court," said Rossi, who has spent the past two-and-a-half years training to become a teacher in France as well as practise against the top French players.

"It's always stressful for me as I travelled here from France and if you lose, it's over.

"It was a hard game and I was behind at the beginning of both games, but I managed to find more confidence and the rest was okay."

Tahiti is one of four nations represented at the Oceania Championships that also includes players from Australia, New Zealand and Fiji in a 65-strong field in Melbourne.

Jared Chung is one of two representatives from Fiji at this year’s event but was knocked out by Ephraim Stephen Sam of Australia following a 21-6, 21-13 defeat.

"The players' standard is above me and I need to be able to learn and take as much as I can from the experience," said Chung.

"I was very slow in the first game and I had to psyche myself up to perform better in the second.

"I will take what I can from the match and know that I went out there and did my best."

Top seed and reigning champion Abhinav Manota of New Zealand started his defence of the title with a 21-12, 21-10 victory over Australian Aryan Jhade.

Australian duo Jacob Schueler and Jack Yu both emerged victorious from three-game thrillers, beating compatriots Ken Richardson and Gavin Kyjac Ong, respectively.

There were also straight-games wins for New Zealand pair Edward Lau and Abhilash Sharma.

Competition is due to continue tomorrow.