is to retire from playing.

But although Eyles, who moved to the Island in 1997 and has played in a number of exhibitions here, won't be seen on a competitive court again he is to maintain his association with the sport.

The Brisbane-born player is to channel his efforts into a new website, www.Totalsquash.com, and will also be sponsoring the 2000/2001 US Junior Tour.

Eyles moved to Bermuda following a chance meeting with dental surgeon Dr Jim Fay.

Fay carried out surgery on the player after he complained of toothache following a tournament here, and the pair became good friends.

A long-time visitor to Bermuda, Eyles opted to move here permanently because of the way of life and the Island's proximity to tournaments around the world.

He has spent 16 years on the world tour and is the longest-serving member of the Professional Squash Association.

A board member of the PSA since 1995, Eyles will continue as President -- leading the players' organisation through a period he believes will see a new expansion of the game through North America and Europe.

"I am still as enthusiastic about the game as ever and I still love to play,'' he said. "But I have to admit, at 33, the game is starting not to love me so much. I can surf and swim, run and even box a bit for fun and without any problems.

"In that sense I am better off than many players who leave the game with injuries and problems. But the specific movement of squash is harder to live with. Everything on court seems to hurt a bit now.'' Eyles' career might have been even more rewarding but for the timing. As he was coming to prominence so was the mighty Jansher Khan and a host of other thrusting Australians.

Khan beat Eyles in the World Junior Championship in 1986 and set off a decade of rivalry that took him to 14 PSA World Tour victories from 27 finals appearances.

He was one of only 14 men to defeat Khan in tournament play between 1986 and 1998, and one of just six to manage the feat more than once.

The peak of his career came in 1997 when he defeated Peter Nicol in the World Open final in Kuala Lumpur.

Ankle problems dogged Eyles through his career and he required surgery in 1990. Last year he also had to go through back surgery.

Although he wouldn't be raising his racquet in anger again, Eyles said it wasn't a true retirement.

"I just have to phase out the actively competitive part of my career at this point and go on with the rest,'' he said.

"I'll now be able to spend more time with my wife Michelle and my 18-month-old daughter Ashley -- they mean everything to me -- without sacrificing my connection to the game I love.'' End of the road: Former world squash champion, Bermuda-based Rodney Eyles announced yesterday he was quitting the world tour after 16 years of professional competition.