While Peter Bromby's choice of Blythe Walker as his opponent tomorrow in one semi-final of the Bank of Bermuda Cup came as a surprise to many, for Bromby the choice was an easy one.

"It seems pretty simple to me... he finished fourth and we finished first,'' said Bromby, referring to the order of finish during last week's qualifying round.

Bromby earned the right to choose his opposition after going 5-1 and winning the round, while Walker, after a dismal start to the day, recovered to end up 4-2, including a final race triumph over the man he will face tomorrow.

Remaining qualifiers were Martin Siese and Adam Barbosa, who will similarly face off against each other tomorrow in Hamilton Harbour.

Since the decision earlier this week, speculation has flourished regarding Bromby's choice, with talk in some quarters indicating a desire by the west end yachtsman to face tough opposition so as to prepare for the Omega Gold Cup.

Still others have suggested that Bromby -- if victorious -- would likely ask Walker to join his crew for the Omega event.

However, the most profound rumour has at its core a plot to deny the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club (RBYC), of which Walker is a member, a place in one of the richest sailing events in the world.

When asked if there was any truth to these rumblings Bromby appeared at first surprised and later amused, reiterating that he had chosen strictly according to the form book and it was no knock on Walker or the RBYC.

"I don't know anything about that,'' said a surprised Bromby. "I don't think there's a lot between anyone, everyone is pretty close.

"I think (Walker's) certainly capable, but so are the other two and whoever comes out of it will be better prepared for the Gold Cup.'' Meanwhile, Walker yesterday was confident in his ability to defeat Bromby.

Walker, along with Bromby, reached the quarter-final stage of the Omega Gold Cup last year before bowing out and has been long regarded as one of the Island's top International One Design (IOD) skippers, the same boats to be used tomorrow under the match racing -- one-on-one -- format.

"I was a little surprised, but I have to take it as they come and give them a run for the money,'' said Walker, who will have Mike Tatem, Glenn Astwood and Scott Simmons as his crew. "As for Sunday, if he (Bromby) thinks it's a done deal then I hope he's wrong.

"He's definitely beatable and whoever is best on the day will win. It's a best three of five which will assure that the best man wins.'' Normally a good starter, Walker was hopeful of being able to get off the line first and try to stay ahead of the competition.

Known more as a gambler, Bromby often takes risks at the start which sometimes backfires, but there is no doubting his ability on the course, which allows him to cover up for any transgressions.

As for Siese and Barbosa, the latter enters as the favourite based on last week's performance, however, Siese is no pushover and is more familiar with the make-up of the IOD craft than Barbosa, who got his name racing Lasers.

Peter Bromby