Bermuda’s leading tennis player Andy Bray is backing the Island Games team for plenty of medal success in Rhodes, Greece.

After winning a total of eight medals at the 2005 Island Games in Gibraltar - including a silver in the men’s team competition and a bronze in the women’s teams — Bray is confident they can improve on that impressive performance this time around.

The 30-year-old should be in good form after winning the Island Construction Open earlier this month and will be leading out two strong-looking squads with women’s captain Zara DeSilva today.

While Bray admits he has set his sights on winning the individual category his priority will once again be taking gold in the team event.

“I’m looking forward to the games and I believe we have reason to feel confident about improving on our performance in Gibraltar,” he said.

“From the men’s side of things the team is almost exactly the same other than Jacob coming in for James (Collieson) and the women’s team looks good as well.

“We know Guernsey will be strong as some of their players compete in the UK, and the Scandinavian islands are always among the favourites.”

While squad members David Thomas, Gavin Manders and Jensen Bascome have been training in the US, Bray and the rest of the men’s team have embarked on a gruelling schedule in preparation for the competition.

With soaring temperatures expected in Rhodes they have been training during the hottest periods of the day so to condition themselves for the climate.

“The schedule is very hectic with all the competitions going on and you can expect to play at least two matches a day,” he added.

“It’s going to be very hot over there so we have been working on fitness and endurance with coaches Ricky Mallory and Steve Bean.

“I’m looking forward to it and I believe Bermuda will be among the medal challengers.”

Men’s team: Andy Bray, Jensen Bascome, David Thomas, Gavin Manders, Jacob Trott.

Women’s team: Zarah DeSilva, Ashley Brooks, Caitlin Gordon, Jacklyn Lambert, and Cayla Cross.

Coaches: Ricky Mallory and Steve Bean.

The Island Games run from June 30 until July 6.