Patrick Foster will be going for three-straight Bermuda squash titles when the Digicel National Championships kicks off next week.
Foster, the club pro, beat local professionals Nick Kyme and James Stout in successive finals over the past two years.
And he expects the pair (though Stout has yet to confirm his entry) to be his main competition again this year.
The number one seed believes Kyme, who had a poor tournament last year, will be looking to reclaim the title.
"He hasn't really beaten me in these tournaments when it has come to the crunch, but he's definitely capable of doing it.
"I train with him two or three times a week. He's always hard to beat because so many balls come back. When he's on his game you never know what can happen.
"If I'm on my game and feeling good on court I don't feel like I should lose that game but you can never write anyone off - especially someone as quick and as fit as Nick.
"James, if he comes back, will be another contender. He's very different to Nick. He's a talented left-hander - not as explosive, but he varies the pace and plays less of a power game.
"He gave me a really good game in the final last year and I think, in the end, it was only my extra experience that made the difference."
So it's Foster, Kyme, Stout or possibly Chase Toogood, one of the wildcard entries for the World Open last year, in the running for the men's title.
But there's only one potential winner in the women's. National coach Denise Sommers blew everyone off the court last year on her comeback from injury.
"I'm feeling in much better shape this year," she warned.
Sommers is seeded to face Canadian Leah Bishop in the final.
As well as the Men's and Women's Open sections there is a veterans' tournament and Men's and Women's B and C Divisions. Foster hopes to have more than 120 entrants that played last year.
"We'd love to beat that. It's open to all Bermuda residents, regardless of experience or ability and we'd like to see the club full every day."
A big crowd is expected for finals day on Saturday March 1 with bar offers and promotions helping to build an atmosphere at the Devonshire club.
He added that Digicel had come on board as the new sponsor and would be offering a number of giveaways to entrants in the tournament.
How to Enter The Digicel National Squash Championships runs from Feb 23rd - March 1st
You can download an entry form at bermudasquash.com, register by phone at 2926881 or call into the club on Middle Road, Devonsihre and fill out an application form.
The entry fee is $40 and all participants are guaranteed at least two games.
For more information e-mail patrickf@bermudasquash.com.
