John Wood will fly the flag for the Caesareans in the men’s tournament while Ronnie Jubb, the current CI champion, and Kate Cadigan will compete for the ladies’ title.Jersey’s Michael Hopkins, the men’s CI champion, is not defending his title because of injury.Hopkins said: ‘I’m disappointed not to be able to defend the title; I’d love to have taken part but my hip injury will not allow me to play five matches in three days.’Hopkins said few Jersey players were travelling for the championships but he understands why.The former professional said: ‘Many players have have decided not to take part because of the expense and others because they don’t fancy their chances of winning.
Guernsey’s Chris Simpson is a hot favourite as he retained the British U17 title only last weekend.’You can’t force players to take part.
A lot are put off at the cost of the weekend, it’s nearly £70 for an inter-island flight and then there is two night’s hotel accommodation to put on top of that.’Squash has been included in the Islands Games for the first time in Shetlands 2005.
What is Jersey’s players’ reaction to that?’Players are already showing an interest, there will be no problem for that.
The Island Games is a bigger stage to play on and although it will be expensive everyone will be looking to raise funds to take part.’The CI championships begin tomorrow evening and finish on Sunday.Guernsey number two Adam Shields, one of the organisers, said: ‘We are disappointed as players are representing their island as well as themselves.
Maybe the competition is going stale? We now have to look at this positively and find a solution which is best for both islands.’
