Mallory's case it's a condition known as burnout that is forcing him out of singles tournament play.

Bermuda's number one player had to be persuaded by coach Steve Bean to continue his semi-final match against Gregg Frigerio at the Colonial Open at Pomander Gate on the weekend... despite being at double match-point in the second set.

"I went into the match not really feeling like playing,'' explained Mallory.

"I don't like to play a match like that, where I'm going out there and just going through the motions. It's not fair to me and not fair to the person I'm playing against.

"Even though I was beating Gregg and had double match-point, I felt that come the day of the final I could have felt the same way.

"So rather than me feeling that way maybe Gregg would have more hunger -- obviously he hasn't won that many tournaments -- on the day of the final and give Jensen a better match.'' Mallory lifted himself to win that semi-final 6-4, 7-5 and then went on to beat Jensen Bascome 6-0, 6-2 in just 45 minutes in the final. But the desire is no longer there to continue playing singles locally, even though Mallory, 35 next month, wants to remain a part of the Davis Cup team.

"I just don't have the hunger anymore, but it has nothing to do with fitness,'' said Mallory. "I wouldn't say the competition is not there, you have some good players out there like James (Collieson), Jensen and Gregg.

"Coming up as a junior I used to watch players like Bruce Sims, Vernal Davis, Sam Maybury and I used to say I want to play like those guys. When I reached that level I made another goal of winning a senior tournament. I did that.

"Then I said I wanted to become Bermuda's number one and I did that. Then I said I wanted to represent Bermuda. I've done that.

"Just last year I said `let me try to win every tournament locally' and I did that, and basically there is nothing more I can do.'' Mallory's achievements in 1999 put him in the running for the Athlete of the Year Award although he eventually came away with an Achievement Award as sailor Malcolm Smith took the top prize.

At the weekend presentation for the Colonial Open, Mallory's domination of that event was highlighted when it was announced he had won a record nine singles titles and A record 10 doubles in the last 12 years.

"I look at the board often, I knew I had won the singles a few times but didn't realise I had won the doubles that many times,'' he admitted.

More doubles titles might now come his way as Mallory concentrates on this part of the game and helping youngsters develop at the same time.

"I enjoy doubles a lot more and I especially like mixed doubles,'' said Mallory. "Last time I played with Ashley Brooks who is only 11 years old and right now I'm teaching her. That's the other thing I want to do, put something back into the sport. I'm coaching a few juniors at Port Royal.'' Ricky Mallory: will give up playing singles tournaments locally.