Bermuda's number-three ranked player Tommy Sherratt stormed to victory on Thursday night in the first round of the Caribbean Championships in Barbados, defeating the impressively athletic Gabby Rabesse in three, closely-contested games.

Despite his opponent's obvious speed and excellent court coverage, the 26-year-old Bermudian refused to be overawed, controlling the centre of the court with relentlessly tight length as well as dragging Rabesse forward with well executed dropshots.

Sherratt dominated the first game, winning it 9-6 before Rabesse came back strongly in the second, gamely fighting his way into a 8-5 lead. But Sherratt kept his head under the pressure, demonstrating the necessary patience and resilience in a crisis to take the game 10-8. The third was again well contested with a flurry of long rallies asking questions of the fitness and endurance of both players. Sherratt, however, played the crucial points well and overcame a tiring Rabesse 9-7 in the third.

"I was very happy with the way I played," Sherratt said afterwards.

"Gabby pushed me hard in all three games and we had some excellent rallies. Although he was quick, I felt I had the edge over him in terms of the way I was executing my shots and that was what paid dividends in the end."

Bermuda's top two players, Gary Plumstead and Nick Kyme were again in action yesterday morning after relatively straightforward victories the day before.

On centre court, Plumstead started a little nervously against the Trindadian number two Colin Ramasra. It was not long however before he reverted to his customary excellence, keeping his opponent pinned in the back corners and taking the ball early and short on the volley. Ramasra put up some spirited resistance but Plumstead's constant pressure began to take its toll and the match was over in only 24 minutes, 9-3, 9-2, 9-0. The South African, who is competing in his first ever championships, is beginning to turn heads here in Barbados.

Meanwhile, Nick Kyme took on James Bentick and overwhelmed him with power and athleticism, cruising to a 9-0, 9-3, 9-0 victory and hardly breaking sweat.

Last on court during the morning session was Sam Stevens who was competing in the first round of the consolation draw after being defeated in the first round by the Bajan number one Gavin Cumberbatch on Thursday afternoon.

Although the 22-year-old appeared somewhat tentative and ill at ease during the early exchanges, he gradually settled down and completed an easy victory over 17-year-old Gerald Greaves of Guyana 9-2, 9-3, 9-4.

Team manager Ross Triffitt was, for the most part, happy with the individual performances of his young team and optimistic about the prospect of an all-Bermudian final.

"The team in general are playing well, although I have been impressed with the standard of squash from other countries. And although I do not want to be overconfident, if Nick and Gary play near to their potential, we should have a very special final on our hands."

In the Men's Individual competition the top four seeds advanced to the quarter-finals as well as Barbados' Gavin Cumberbatch. The lone Bajan remaining in the draw will face the number one seed, Bermuda's Gary Plumstead.