The pressure will be on Micah Franklin to deliver in the Caribbean Area Squash Association Championships in Barbados starting this weekend.

But the 21-year-old, who is fresh off a Commonwealth Games appearance, can handle it, according to Patrick Foster, the director of squash. “The pressure’s on him, but he’s used to that; it’s his job now,” Foster said.

Franklin will need to get through the likes of Christopher Binnie, the defending champion from Jamaica, but Foster believes that a podium finish is within reach.

“We’re looking for a big performance from Micah to follow up on his success at the Commonwealth Games,” Foster said.

“He’s been a semi-finalist in the event before, but never made the final. Realistically, if he could make the final and put on a good show, that would be great.”

Franklin, the 159th-ranked player in the world, reached the last four at the Caribbean Championships in 2012 and did not attend in 2013. He Franklin headlines a Bermuda team that also includes Chris Stout, Andrew Stout, Anthony Fellows and Andrew Boyce on the men’s side, with Susie Lacey, Rachel Barnes and Denise Kyme making up the women’s side. Liz Martin was supposed to make the trip as well but is unable to because of injury.

“Standards are high; it’s a tough competition,” Foster added. “On the men’s side, the other guys are looking to put in good performances and play as well as they can. As a team, we’ve got good strength and depth, and if Micah is consistent, that gives a good start and we can do well in the men’s team event.

“For the ladies’ event, Susie and Rachel are really competitive and I expect them to do quite well. Denise Kyme is our most experienced player; she’s been going for quite some time and will be hoping to put in a good performance. Realistically, Susie and Rachel are our best prospects for the individuals and I hope to see them do well.

“Overall, it’s a good team on the men’s side. We wish we had a couple more ladies, but I’m sure they’re going to have a great time and do well.”

The tournament will get under way on Sunday morning with the men’s and women’s individual events.