out of the $50,000 Bermuda Open which starts today at Port Royal.

But organisers were still hopeful yesterday that local favourite Dwayne Pearman would be able to make his 9.48 starting time this morning.

Pearman was due to arrive yesterday from the Azores where he damaged his ribs and was unable to play in a tournament there. Secretary of the Bermuda Golf Association, Tom Smith, was waiting to hear from Pearman last evening.

"He's supposed to call me this evening,'' said Smith earlier in the day.

"I've got him down as a starting time but I also have a replacement in the event that he decides he's not going to play.'' Smith confirmed that Pitts had been ruled out, after he failed to make contact with him last week. Smith last spoke to Pitts in July when he said he would definitely be defending his title.

The four-round tournament has its full quota of 72 players, 48 from overseas.

And with Pitts out, the tournament could be wide open with a number of players capable of making a strong challenge. They include Tour pros Ken Green and Mike Donald and Nike Tour players Joe Daley, PJ Cowan and regular Bermuda visitor Craig Marseilles.

Local favourite: Dwayne Pearman's appearance in this year's Bermuda Open was in doubt last night as he tried to shake off an injury.