Her son may be grabbing all the headlines these days, but Bermuda ladies' veteran Denise Kyme, who recently celebrated her 50th birthday, is far from a spent force on the squash court.

Accompanied by son Nick, who recently turned professional, Denise is competing this week at the World Squash Masters in Helsinki, Finland and is determined to put in a strong showing in the over 50s category.

Her presence at a major international competition all the more remarkable given the horrendous knee injury that she sustained during the 1997 local club championship final, which put her out of the game for almost two years at the age of 45.

The road back to full fitness has been a long and painful one, with many hours of rehabilitation on the physio table and in the gym.

But Kyme, who has been an ever present force in ladies' squash in Bermuda since the 1970s and who has been a stalwart in helping develop the Island's youth squash programme, was hell-bent on getting back on court and believes that she is now fit enough to compete internationally.

"I am so happy to be playing regularly again. When you have major knee surgery, especially at the age I had it, you do start to wonder if you will ever make it back," she said.

"It has taken a long time. The rehabilitation was very tough and boring and when I first got back on court I found that I simply could not do the things I used to be able to do. It was very frustrating.

"But I've been training solidly for a year and a half and I am now definitely in the best shape I have been in since the operation."

Two years ago, Kyme took part in the last World Masters event in Australia where she made it through to the final of the consolation draw in the over 45s category. Though she was pleased to have won a number of matches against high quality opponents, she conceded that her body had not been ready for such a strenuous test.

"I was not in great shape two years ago," she admitted.

"But when I saw that I would be competing in the over 50s this time round, I knew it would be foolish not to have a real go at it. With the training I've done, I now think I have given myself a very good chance of doing well."

The veteran will also benefit from the presence in Helsinki of her son, who will help in her preparation and offer advice over the course of the tournament.

"I was in Australia by myself last time and it was a little strange not having anybody to talk to in between games. It will certainly be a great help having Nick in my corner."

Asked how long she felt she could sustain competing at such a high level, Kyme was optimistic.

"Right now I feel great and have no injury worries or anything like that. How long can I keep going? I just don't know. It does not get any easier but I will carry on for as long as my legs will carry me!"