He might have retired from the professional tour, but James Stout is no less committed to the sport he has grown up with and no less determined to excel in Melbourne.

Stout, who officially removed himself from the Professional Squash Association earlier this year, is heading Down Under for his first Commonwealth Games encounter and will compete in the singles and alongside Bermuda number one Nick Kyme in the doubles.

The Belgian-based player has now switched his attentions to coaching although he still competes in European leagues and on the Belgian tournament circuit.

"It was just getting too much," said Stout, who couldn't quite break into the world's top 100 during his time on the pro tour, on which Kyme is still battling away.

"I was finding it hard, particularly the lifestyle, and I think I have made the right decision to go in another direction.

"I am concentrating on the coaching but I am still playing in tournaments and training hard so I would say I am pretty much at the same level, maybe only slightly below, what I was when I was playing professionally."

Stout still hopes to continue playing competitively for Bermuda in events such as the Caribbean championships and Pan-Ams although admits his work schedule and personal commitments may stop him returning home as frequently as he has in the past.

But for now his focus is on Melbourne and a date with a big name star such as a Jonathon Power or Peter Nicol.

"I have to be realistic about my medal chances because some of the best players in the world are from Commonwealth countries," continued Stout, whose older brother Michael played world juniors while younger siblings Andrew and Chris have followed in James' footsteps by playing for Bermuda in the Caribbean championships.

"I would hope to be able to get through my first round game and, if I was lucky enough to do that, then maybe get one of the top players after that.

"I think in the doubles myself and Nick have more chance of making some progress. There are not a lot of countries who can field four top-class players and we would be looking to do well in that competition."

Stout, who has played in tournaments in Sydney and Brisbane, is looking forward to the opening ceremony and all the excitement that surrounds the big Games, but his focus remains on the squash.

"I am really looking forward to competing," added Stout, who will join up with his team-mates in New York next week before flying down to Australia.

"It is a big, big event and there will be some great squash played. I can't wait to be a part of it."