Gone from that era are the likes of Rob Thompson, a former Bermuda and Caribbean champion, as well as then Bermuda club professional John MacRury.

Just three remain from the 1986 contingent that captured the title -- Kirk Caza, Rick Bartlett and Denise Kyme.

Inserted this year for the tournament that features four countries -- Bermuda, Bahamas, Jamaica and Cayman Islands -- is a `new' breed, with names like Rose, Alexander, Sherratt, Brewer. And while they certainly would like to capture the whole "ball of wax'' they have not staked all manner of success on winning the title.

Professional Julian Rose leads the cast into the competition that begins tomorrow (opening ceremony 5.30 p.m. at National Sports Club, first match 6.30 p.m.), as the number one player followed by Bermuda Closed national champion Colin Alexander, youngster Tommy Sherratt, Caza and Richard Brewer, all members of the Men's A squad.

We're not having high hopes,'' said Rose, downplaying the team's chances. "We have a plan set up and if it comes off it would be nice to win as the home country.

"I think the players' (spirits) are pretty good, they're quietly going about it and taking things day by day.

"We just want to get on with it and see what happens. If Saturday comes and we've won that'll be great, but if we don't we weren't expected to do well anyway.'' Highly anticipated is the impending match-up of Rose and MacRury, this time donning the colours of the Cayman Islands and also carrying an impressive six-year unbeaten streak in the region.

Two other members of the Cayman's A team having already arrived as of yesterday were Russ McKlow and Jeff Broderick and are expected to rate as tough propositions for Alexander and the 17-year-old Sherratt respectively.

Caza, who relies on peak conditioning and an unorthodox style to throw opponents off balance, and the technically correct Richard Brewer can likely expect a comparatively easier time against the opposing teams number four and five players.

Meanwhile, Bermuda Men's B team has included among its ranks Jeff McKay, Murray Brewer, Tony Prentice, Jan Brewer, Norman Furtado and James Hubbard.

Leading the charge for the women is former Scottish international and county player, Jacqui White, accompanied by veteran Kyme, Janice Burns and Diane Olchowik.

In the veteran category Robin Bawtry, the commander of HMS Malabar and former royal navy squash champ, tops the bill. Bartlett, an exciting shot maker is next, with Derek Sickling, Val Protheroe and Carol Ferris rounding out the contingent.

The tournament has been officially titled Bermuda Commercial Bank 1994 Rosebowl Championship after a late injection of sponsorship capital by the bank.

All matches will be played at the Bermuda Squash Racquets Association courts in Devonshire on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Attendence is free and open to the public. Telephone 292-6881 for further details.