It's just a month since James Collieson began preparing for the CAC Games but Bermuda's lone representative in tennis rates his chances "as good as any", writes Gayle Alleyne.

"I imagine the competition will be a standard that's higher than our Davis Cup matches but maybe not quite as tough as some of the tournaments I have been playing in (Futures tournaments in England and Holland)," he said.

"I think if I stay relaxed and can deal with the heat - which is sometimes a problem for me - then my chances should be as good as anyone else's there.

"Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Colombia, Jamaica, Trinidad - these are some countries with good tennis players. The No.1 player from all these countries is usually very good but we'll just have to see who comes to represent them."

Collieson, who leaves on Sunday for El Salvador where the Games are taking place, has been preparing for his ball-and-racquet showdown by practising with some of the leading local players for the past month.

In addition, he is currently competing in both doubles and singles in the Coral Beach Invitational.

While he has been playing mainly on clay, the 25-year-old foresees no hiccups in returning to the hard courts on which the CAC tournament will be contested.

"It would be easier if it was clay but I don't think I'll have much trouble adjusting at all. That's why I am going a few days ahead to get accustomed to the conditions all around," explained Collieson whose first match is next Thursday.

Apart from the obvious pride and delight which he and the Island would enjoy if he excelled in the competition, the former No.1 local seed views the event as another yardstick by which to determine his on-court future.

"I think I'll be playing against a lot of guys who are full-time "I think I'll be playing against a lot of guys who are full-time tennis players and if I can compete well I'll try to take that momentum and maybe play a few more tournaments afterwards - at least until the XL Open next year when my (ATP) points will run out."

While "definitely looking forward" to carrying Bermuda's hopes in tennis, he is disappointed that more of his local peers are not making the trip. That, plus the fact that Bermuda's "numbers are down for the other sports as well" have made it difficult for him to get a feel for how big the Games really are and to get as inspired as he usually does.

"Once I get there I expect to get a sense of the occasion but right now I really don't. The fact that it's for Bermuda is good motivation for me though," he said.

While many Games competitors are unlikely to be familiar with El Salvador, Collieson already has an advantage as he played one of his first Davis Cup ties there.

"The last time we were there a few of us got sick. We were trying to avoid ice and water but sometimes it's impossible. Hopefully this time I can stay healthy and play well."