favourite to win the $17,000 Schroders Bermuda Open.

Eyles, now ranked number two in the world, flew out of Doha in Qatar yesterday where the previous evening he had lost a close final (15-10, 15-7, 13-15, 15-10) to top ranked Jansher Khan who lifted his fifth straight Qatar International title.

The seven-time world champion from Pakistan took 72 minutes to wrap up the $65,000 tournament as he defeated Eyles in the final for the third straight year.

But Khan won't be in Bermuda this weekend and although six of the world's top ten will, the talented Aussie, who just a couple of weeks ago defeated the Pakistani in Hong Kong, should be the man to beat.

His toughest challenge is expected to come from either fellow countryman and three-time Bermuda Open winner Brett Martin or England team captain Chris Walker.

Eyles defeated Walker in the semi-finals in Qatar after Walker had eliminated Martin in the quarter-finals.

But another Aussie, Anthony Hill (ranked nine in the world) plus two Brits, Del Harris (No. 6) and Simon Parke (No. 7), who also played in Qatar, will be eager to knock Eyles from his perch.

The format of this year's tournament calls for the six players to meet in a round robin format in two groups, ensuring that spectators will see two world class matches each evening.

Martin, Walker and Parke meet in Group A while Eyles, Harris and Hill play in Group B. The two group winners then clash in Tuesday evening's final.

The tournament gets underway at the Devonshire courts at 6.30 p.m. today when Harris takes on Hill followed immediately by Martin against Parke.

Tomorrow Walker and Parke begin the action at 6.30 followed by Eyles against Hill and on Monday evening its Eyles against Harris and Martin versus Walker.

Admission price is $25 ($10 for juniors on Saturday and Sunday) or $80 for a four night package.