Squash Racquets Association last night with the introduction of the Corporate Team tournament.

Thirty-two teams are taking part in the event, which runs until Sunday and utilises a handicap system in order to balance the field that includes players of varying ability and experience.

Each team consists of three players and has men and women competing against each other in conventional and mixed singles play under the American system that awards points for each rally.

Newly appointed director of squash Jane Parker said that the club was stunned by the interest shown in the tournament, with 41 teams applying to take part in the event, nine having to be turned away in order to reduce the number to 32.

Parker was excited by the prospect of attracting new faces to the facility, which has recently undergone extensive renovations.

"We have a real mixed bunch and the great thing about it is that it involves a lot of non-members,'' said Parker, still settling into her new role at the Devonshire club.

"We're looking to promote the sport here for everyone and this gives the ideal chance to introduce newcomers to the sport. This tournament is wide open and you don't know who is going to win, that's the good thing about it.'' Well represented is the Bank of Bermuda, with nine teams entered, while management firm Powerscourt has two sides.

Leading individuals involved include top male players Andy McCombe and Richard Brewer, while the next level contains the likes of Tony Prentice and rising junior Nick Kyme.

On the women's side there is Denise Kyme and Jan Brewer, but tournaments such as these are apt to produce more than a few surprises.