NERVOUS Nick Taylor admits he scared about flying into a potential war zone this weekend.

The Dukinfield squash ace is due to take part in the Qatar International event next week as the prospect of an American military strike against nearby Afghanistan looms closer.

The 29-year-old world number 22 is eager to take part in the prestigious $120,000 tournament, but says: ''I am not happy about going - it is dangerous - but at the moment I will be taking part.''

Taylor will have discussions with fellow pros, the Professional Squash Association and the Foreign Office before making a final decision about whether to travel to the Gulf state on Saturday - or sit the event out.

''I feel the event should be called off,'' says Taylor. ''But I will talk to the other players and see what the level of confidence about going is.

Risky

''It is a big tournament and I want to be involved, but it could be a risk going.

''I don't think there is any immediate danger, but if there is an American strike against Afganistan we could get stuck out there.

''About 90 per cent of the players are happy to go at the moment and I am willing to take the risk and go with it as it stands now, but we know we could be flying into a war zone.''

Taylor wholeheartedly supported the postponement of the US Open in Boston following the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, saying: ''The tragic events make you realise that sport is not really all that important.''

But he added: ''Sport does have a part to play and its ability to raise people's spirits will, I am sure, be reflected when the event is finally played.''

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