January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Palmer’s racquet goes missing
So the Bermudian number one could be forgiven for having a sly chuckle at the misfortunes of his friend, some-time training partner and round one opponent in the PSA Masters.
The Australian arrived in Bermuda this week.
But a baggage mix-up means his squash racquet and shoes are still lost somewhere in transit from Melbourne.
Palmer, who has a house in Bermuda, said it was vital that he got the gear here for the game.
“Obviously it's important,” he said yesterday.
“You can replace clothes easily enough but your racquet and shoes are pretty personal. I've got until Monday before I play so I'm pretty confident it will be sorted out by then.”
Palmer, who just won silver at the Commonwealth Games, is one of the favourites in a hugely competitive tournament featuring the top 31 players in the world, as well as Bermudian wild-card entry Kyme.
The actions starts on the glass court at Bermuda High School on Sunday with the players going all-out for a share of the $120,000 prize pot.
Palmer’s battle with Kyme on Monday night is one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament with the Bermudian counting on crowd support to help him bridge a 70 plus gap in the world rankings.
“Normally you are quite happy to play against the wildcard,” said Palmer.
“It's very competitive at the top and if you get a player lower down in the rankings then that's an advantage.
“But it’s a bit different playing Nick. He's a good friend and we have trained together before.
“I’ve just played in front of a home crowd in Australia and I know how much of a lift it can give you.
“I don’t expect any favours from the crowd on Monday. If I do get through I'm sure I'll get some support. You have to earn their respect, though.”
Kyme said he was looking forward to the game and was playing some decent squash again after coming out of a bit of a rut.
“I wasn't playing well and I wasn't enjoying it but I feel pretty good right now.”
Kyme accepts that he is unlikely to win but is not ruling it out.
“You always think you've got a chance. At worst I'd like to get at least one game.”[[In-content Ad]]
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