BERMUDA BUZZING ...
More than 140 volunteers have been working around the clock to complete
final preparations on the 600-seat auditorium housing the specially
imported all-glass court.
A wildly enthusiastic packed house is expected for the opening match of
the first evening between world No1 Thierry Lincou, of France, and local wild-card
favourite, Nicholas Kyme, currently ranked 68 in the world. Kyme, the
national champion, will surely have a baptism of fire against the world
champion - but if he falls in round one, local fans will quickly change
their allegiance to Bermuda resident David Palmer, the Australian world
No2 who is determined to perform well in front of his adopted home crowd.
The auditorium is replete with high quality technology offering
web-streaming of matches via the internet on the PSA's website
www.PSALIVE.tv - while title sponsors Virtual Spectator are testing their
own cutting edge technology on site. Most matches are scheduled between 12
noon and 2.30pm Bermuda time (one hour ahead of EST, four behind the UK),
and from 6pm to 8.30pm daily.
Predicting a winner of this year's $120,000 PSA Masters, the second Super
Series event of the year, is a risky business - with any one of the top 10
capable of taking the title. But Lincou has to be the favourite by a
whisker, with superfit Australian Anthony Ricketts; along with last year's
winner of the Bermuda Open 2004, Englishman Lee Beachill; brilliant
Canadian Jonathon Power; and Bermuda-based David Palmer all strong
contenders for the top spot. |
 "Although Bermuda's total population
is less than 60,000, the Island is buzzing with excitement at the
prospect of seeing the world's finest players from five continents
battling it out for the prestigious Masters Championship.
"The stage is now set for the biggest and best sporting event ever
held in Bermuda. Our team of volunteers has done a superb job
preparing the venue from scratch and all the players have arrived from
all corners of the globe.
"Even the weather seems to be cooperating as the forecast for this
week is clear and sunny. We look forward to a superb week of squash."
Ross Triffitt
Tournament Director |
|
"Bermuda
has definitely got that wow factor and all the players on tour cannot wait
to get back there. Last year's event was very impressive all round – a
totally unique experience. 
"The
tournament has a special atmosphere and I really want to do well. Coming
from an island myself I feel very comfortable in Bermuda. 
