Australia's Brett Martin enters Saturday's Heinz Bermuda Open a heavy favourite to add to his hat-trick of victories in the feature event on the local squash calendar.

Martin, currently ranked number four in the world, last won the Open in 1993, but came up well short a year ago when he fell at the quarter-final stage.

He is anxious to make his way to the winner's circle again.

Although he has fallen two notches from his highest ranking of second, Martin remains one of the best `touch' players on the circuit, but he can turn on the power if needed.

He is seeded number one for the Bermuda event and the possibility exists for a rematch against defending champion Paul Gregory of England, the man responsible for his untimely ouster last year.

While major tournament championships have been hard to come by for him lately -- his last major triumph came during the 1994 Leekes Classic -- the 32-year-old Martin remains a feared foe.

"It's a bit late to start talking of breakthroughs, but I think I have a few more wins in me yet,'' said Martin. "I just think I'm getting better as I get older.'' Martin, trying to recover from a recent bout of influenza, arrived on the Island earlier this week to familiarise himself with the surface at the Squash Club heading into what could be a difficult first round encounter against countryman John White, seeded 15th.

Also among the early arrivals were second seed Zarak Jahan Khan of Pakistan, Gregory and Germany's Hansi Wiens.

Organiser Christine Barnes was understandably excited about the draw, which was described as the "best ever''.

"From the calibre of players this year's is the highest standard we've had,'' said Barnes, referring to the field which contains six of the top 25 players in the world.

"The viewing public can expect some epic tussles in the first round and it'll only get better after that.

"I can honestly say that it'll be the best squash ever seen locally and very entertaining.'' Barnes added that all was not "cut and dry'' for Martin, who was stretched to the limit during the North America Open last week in Denver, Colorado by White.

Gregory also faces a stiff opening test in his repeat bid when he encounters 11th seed Jamie Crombie, a quick witted Canadian with a strong game to match.

Standing as Zarak's first hurdle is Dutchman Lucas Buit -- a quarter-finalist at this year's Strohs Open -- making his first foray to Bermuda.

The final member of the `Fab Four', Wiens, meanwhile, is set to match skills against Pakistani Mir Zaman Gul, the ninth seed, who has suffered from a lack of form in recent months, struggling to get past the first round in several tournaments and dropping out of the world's top 20.

"It's certainly not cut and dry. Anyone could spring a surprise in the first round,'' added Barnes. "Last year all of the top seeds went out in the first round. So, basically anyone can do well.'' Bermuda's hopes are carried by wild-card entry Julian Rose, but he has a tough opener against Englishman Angus Kirkland, seeded sixth.

In all 16 will take part in the first round beginning at noon on Saturday at the Devonshire Courts. A pre-tournament cocktail party is scheduled for tomorrow night at 7 p.m. at the same venue.

More squash -- Pages 24, 25