But it is squash that will bring the island's ocean views to those millions of TV viewers during the 2006 Professional Squash Association's Masters Championships and the 2007 World Open Championships.

Bermuda director of squash Ross Triffitt said yesterday that they would be importing a glass court which would be set up "to show off Bermuda's beauty" for the two events.

While the organising committee have not yet selected the actual venue or where to put the court, Mr. Tiffitt said that he could imagine it would show off Bermuda's beautiful ocean views.

"We have had a few site visits but it is far too early to hint at what we are doing and where the court will be," said Mr. Triffit.

"We have looked at a beach setting or a fort setting ? anywhere that has water in the backdrop ? a place that has the most picturesque setting of Bermuda."

And putting in a glass court on a beach or in a fort overlooking the ocean would not be an inexpensive endeavour. Although he wouldn't be drawn to how much it would cost, Mr. Triffitt said: "We are looking at an ever-expanding budget.

"We want to be realistic in our approach for the 2005 Masters and have the outdoor court for 2006 and then everything in place for the 2007 World Open."

Roger Sherratt, press officer for the Bermuda Squash Racquets Association (BSRA), said: "The PSA have a reputation for putting on major tournaments in spectacular locations around the world.

"The best two examples are the tournament they put on in front of the pyramids in Giza, Egypt so that you can see the pyramids in the background while watching the squash and also one of the most unusual places was when they put on a tournament in the middle of Grand Central Station in New York.

"That just goes to show that they (PSA) have an eye for looking at unusual and different places. I know that from our meetings with the PSA officials in Bermuda that they saw many locations that they thought were really spectacular so that you will not only see top class squash but also at a wonderful location.

"They are very excited about having Bermuda as a venue and of course we are very excited about it as well."

Mr. Triffitt said PSA officials who were here in March for the Bermuda Open were very impressed by "the professionalism and support for the tournament ? and not just by the officials but also by the crowds which came out. They were impressed with the Bermuda public coming out to support the event and they see Bermuda as a great way to showcase this sport."

Mr. Sherratt added: "They see that Bermuda is one of the best sporting venues in the world for this particular sport."

Following the success of the Bermuda Open this year which attracted the best players in the world, tournament organisers signed a $350,000 deal with the PSA which will bring the 2005 and 2006 Masters and the 2007 World Open.

Mr. Triffitt and Bermuda Open chairman Kim Carter both flew to Qatar last weekend where the 2004 Masters was being staged to formally announce the agreement to stage the three tournaments.

Mr. Triffitt said local organisers did not yet have a title sponsor. He said they had just finished wrapping up the 2004 Bermuda Open and would be talking to sponsors very soon.

He added: "We have had tremendous support and we are very confident that the sponsors will be on board."