?I?m the luckiest squash player in the world,? proclaimed a beaming Nick Kyme.

Bermuda?s top pro, and the world?s number 80, has been handed the chance of a wildcard into next year?s Masters ? and that will mean a chance to play on an even bigger stage than this year.

In March, to the hand-clapping of 600 people, Kyme strode out to take on former world number one Peter Nicol in the first round of the Bermuda Open.

There was some wrangling over his wildcard entry, given he was more than the standard 50 ranking places outside the lowest-ranked player in the main draw, but he was allowed in ? and judging by the atmosphere that night ? it paid dividends for the tournament organisers.

And now the 23-year-old stands on the verge of playing in a tournament reserved only for the world?s 32 best players ? until next year.

?I am so lucky to have an association that are doing so much for me,? said Kyme, who will have to work hard to justify his inclusion in the $120,000 event.

?I thought this year was the greatest game I would ever play in, but there could be a bigger one next year. It is hard to believe.

?I have to say a big thank you to Ross (Triffitt), this guy is amazing. He is doing so much for squash in Bermuda and for me.

?Getting the wildcard this year was a massive boost for me. Apart from just playing the game itself and getting all the experience I did from it, I also picked up enough ranking points to put me 80 in the world.

?That means in some tournaments I don?t have to play in the qualifiers which again helps me keep my ranking up.?