He has played and lost 3-0 to Peter Nicol twice but Nick Kyme is confident he will be much better armed for their third encounter next month.

The Bermudian squash champion will battle the former world champion and world number two on the opening evening of matches in the Bermuda Open proper on March 17 at Bermuda High School Gym.

Having recently turned pro, the 23-year-old local will have an opportunity to assess his progress in the months since joining the world's squash circuit on which he has risen to 103rd in the latest rankings.

Kyme � who was afforded a wild card into the main draw � expects his previous experience against Englishman Nicol to be of some advantage but knows well his work is cut out for him. The last time they met � at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England � Nicol sent his opponent packing briskly, 9-1, 9-0, 9-0, surrendering only the first point of that match.

"Last time we were in England on his home turf. Hopefully, this time I won't be anywhere near as nervous as I was back then and, hopefully, with the crowd support and being at home, it will make a huge difference.

"Tactics-wise I'll have the same plan but I'm a different player from two years ago and I think I'll be able to pull off more magic," said an optimistic Kyme.

"There's no-one in the top eight who is a pushover but if I had to pick someone I'd probably have picked Peter. He is a very nice guy but he'll never give me anything so I know if I walk out with anything I've earned it. I'm looking forward to it actually."

Regarding his continuing maturity as a professional player, the bespectacled athlete observed the most significant difference at the top level was the fastness of the action.

"The step from amateur to pro is all about pace. I'm getting quicker and quicker and I'm able to adjust my game to the way they play a lot better than I was (able to adjust) six months ago.

"Hopefully, I am taking strides towards the top and this is going to be a big boost for me. It's my first time in a major event and it's going to be great."

"It will be fun to play at home," noted Kyme who competes in the national championships starting on Saturday before focusing on intense training and physical conditioning in his build-up to the Open.

Tournament Director Ross Triffitt is among those in the local squash fraternity anticipating an impressive showing from the up and coming Kyme.

"He has improved a lot and Peter Nicol is perhaps approaching the end of his career though he's ranked in the top two in the world.

"I think we'll see a very different story this time around. I'm expecting Nick to make a good match of it. He will be up against a top player but I think he is going to impress a lot of people with his talent and I hope everyone gets out there to support him."

He also called on Bermudians to back the Island's four players in the Open qualifier � James Stout, Gary Plumstead, Tommy Sherratt and Nick Wiffen � as they vie for berths in the main draw.

Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour Technical Executive Robert Edwards said the tournament could not ask for a better opening feature clash than one of Bermuda's own against a world giant in the sport.

"That's going to be fantastic. I wish him every success. It will be the match of his life," said the official, raising the possibility of an upset victory by Kyme.

"Nobody is safe at this level. You never know. If he pulls it off, what a win it would be! What I would ask is for all of Bermuda to come and support him and don't be quiet. Cheer your heads off."

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