West looks forward to play for Cayman

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (CMC):
Former Caribbean women's squash champion, Marlene West, is looking forward to representing the Cayman Islands at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India, after being cleared to change her status from being a Jamaica representative.

A former Caribbean No.1 and multiple Jamaica national champion, West has been residing in the Cayman Islands for several years and has integrated into the squash family here.

"They've embraced me here, it's been my home away from home for a long time now," West said.

"When I got the clearance to represent Cayman early last year, it was a wonderful feeling. We've got a good squad building up for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. I am really looking forward to that," she added.

West contested last week's high-profile Cayman Open, but suffered a first-round loss to World No. 5 Jenny Duncalf of England. Duncalf won 11-7, 11-3, 11-6 in 27 minutes against the 36-year-old veteran, who played with a huge knee brace.

"I am happy my knee held up. I had major surgery nine years ago, but reinjured it in February this year. They found arthritis had settled in, so I'm scheduled for investigative surgery in June," she said.