The Bermuda Squash Racquets Association announced earlier this week that they have officially submitted the name of Nick Kyme to the Professional Squash Association, requesting that the Island's number one and world number 118 be granted a wildcard into the first round of the Bermuda Open 2004.

As it stands, Kyme would only be allowed to compete in the 12-man qualifying draw which precedes the tournament proper, as part of a four-strong local contingent which the PSA allows into the qualifying rounds of any sanctioned event.

If the application is successful, and even if the 22-year-old loses in the first round, he stands to gain a minimum of 120 ranking points ? almost double what he earned competing in five tournaments in November this year ? which could potentially catapult him into the world's top 80.

Bermuda Director of Squash Ross Triffitt said that he was "quietly confident" that the application would be approved.

"We have had a considerable amount of dialogue with the PSA already on this issue," he said.

"They are aware of our situation and being a very small nation I think that may also work to Nick's advantage. David Palmer (ranked No.3 in the world and a Bermuda resident) has also been quietly using his influence with the sports' top brass so while I do not want to pre-empt any decision, I think Nick may get a slot straight into the main draw."

Kyme, meanwhile, said yesterday that he was "extremely grateful" that the BSRA had chosen him as their wildcard candidate and was clearly excited at the possibility of a place alongside the sport's elite.

"I'm very happy that I've been chosen," he said.

"I'm not going to be overly hopeful because nothing is yet set in stone. But it will obviously be a thrill if I do get in to play in such a big tournament with the best players in the world and it will give me such a boost in terms of ranking points. Once you get into the top 80 in the world things really start to happen for you so I've got my fingers crossed that the PSA will give me the OK."