Australia, are due to arrive on the Island today to play a pair of exhibition matches aimed at further stimulating interest in the sport locally.

Eyles, the world's number three player, and Martin, ranked number four, are set to do battle on Saturday (7 p.m.) and Sunday (5.30 p.m.) at the Devonshire courts, allowing local residents a rare glimpse of the world's leading players in action.

"This will be the highest pair of ranked players to ever play in Bermuda,'' said event organiser Christine Barnes yesterday. "It should certainly serve to give excitement, inspiration and encouragement to all those able to witness it, especially the youngsters.'' In addition to watching the two perform against each other, squash club members will get chance to play against the pair on Monday.

Martin, even at 32, is still generally regarded as the world's best touch player and remains a delight to watch, effortlessly gliding about the court using pin-point placement and guile to unsettle his opponents.

Somewhat similar is Eyles, as he too relies on touch. But he can also be physical and is admired by others on the circuit for his unforgiving training methods that have aided him in his climb up the world rankings. He also has youth on his side as he is some six years Martin's junior.

This week the duo both reached the semi-finals at the $70,000 Tournament of Champions being held at a purpose built transparent court at Grand Central Station, New York.

Second seeded Eyles overcame Scotland's Peter Nicol on Wednesday to qualify for the final of the tournament which was due to be played last night.

But in the other semi-final, Pakistan's world champion Jansher Khan comprehensively defeated Martin 17-16 15-1 15-13 in just 42 minutes.

Admission for Saturday and Sunday's exhibition matches will be $15, with tickets still available at the club.

SHOWTIME -- Brett Martin (above), the world's number four ranked squash player, takes on his third-ranked Australian compatriot Rodney Eyles in two exhibition matches at the Devonshire courts this weekend.