---

Bermuda’s number one squash player Nick Kyme will still meet world number one David Palmer in the opening round of the PSA Masters despite the draw having to be redone.

Kyme was originally drawn against part-time Bermuda resident Palmer last month.

But the withdrawal of last year's winner Johnathon Power meant all 32 names for next month's tournament went back into the hat.

Amazingly Kyme's name was once again pulled out to play the Australian, who he knows well and has trained with in Bermuda on several occasions.

Roger Sherratt, spokesman for the Bermuda Squash Association, said they couldn't have scripted a better start to the tournament.

“Of all the things that can happen he has actually been drawn again against David Palmer. It means a battle of Bermuda at the start of the tournament.

“Even if David does knock Nick out of the competition I'm sure he'll get the support of the Bermuda public for the rest of the tournament.”

The new number one seed, following Powell's withdrawal is the current World Open Champion, Amr Shabana of Egypt, who is on brilliant form at the moment.

Anthony Ricketts of Australia, winner of last year's British Open, is seeded number two.

“Both of these players will be very hard to beat, but they will be hard pressed by a world class field all eager to take the title,” added Sherratt.

Under normal circumstances the replacement for Power would automatically be the world number 32 player because all those above him are already in the tournament.

But that position is held by former Bermuda Open and former World Junior champion, Simon Parke, who is committed to compete in the Irish Open, as are Renan Lavigne and Davide Bianchetti, who occupy the next two spots in the world rankings.

Dan Jenson of Australia, ranked 35 in the world, therefore comes into the draw and will face Lee Beachill of England in the opening round.

[[In-content Ad]]

---