Event promoters internationalSPORTgroup have confirmed a stellar line-up for next month’s British Grand Prix Squash Championship to be staged at the National Squash Centre in Manchester from 21-24 September.



The internationalSPORTgroup British Grand Prix – Manchester 2012, a PSA International 70 event will boast seven of the world’s top 10 players, including the reigning World Champion Nick Matthew, World No.1 James Willstrop and former world number ones Gregory Gaultier, Karim Darwish and Amr Shabana.

Domestic interest will be high with Peter Barker, Daryl Selby, Tom Richards and Adrian Grant, all ranked within the world’s top 20, joining Matthew and Willstrop in the main draw.

However, Frenchman Gaultier and Egyptians Darwish and Shabana will provide the greatest domestic threat on the spectacular all-glass ASB show court, along with Dutch No.1 and World No.9 Laurens Jan Anjema and Alister Walker, the World No.13 from Botswana. German Jens Schoor will gain automatic entry into the main draw as the wild card.

"The strength of the draw is testament to the growing status of the internationalSPORTgroup British Grand Prix as one of the world's leading events and a major boost for everyone involved with the championship, from tournament partners, sponsors, event staff and volunteers," said internationalSPORTgroup CEO Paul Walters.

"It is equally encouraging to have such a high demand for tickets, particularly as this will be the last opportunity that enthusiasts in the UK will have to witness the best players competing in a PSA World Tour event this year."

06-Aug-12:
World Champion Nick Matthew
confirms British Squash Grand Prix entry

England’s two time World Champion Nick Matthew has confirmed his entry to September’s British Grand Prix Squash Championship, the PSA International 70 event to be staged at the National Squash Centre in Manchester from 21-24 September.

31-year-old Matthew who in May won his third British Open title and second PSA World Series title of the year is delighted to be returning to the National Squash Centre.

"It's my favourite venue and I am really looking forward to playing there again,” said the illustrious Englishman.

Matthew will be second seed, behind fellow Englishman James Willstrop.

The venue, which was built to host the 2002 Commonwealth Games Squash Championships, has been the scene of numerous Matthew triumphs. The Englishman won the British Grand Prix title on the spectacular all-glass show court in 2006, as well as claiming his second British Open success in 2009 and a record equalling fourth British National title in February earlier this year.



“I was disappointed to have lost in last year’s final, particularly in front of a fantastic home crowd which all sporting events in Manchester attract. Hopefully I can go one better this year.”

Councillor Rosa Battle, Manchester City Council Executive Member for Culture and Leisure said: “Manchester is once again delighted to welcome the cream of the world’s squash talent to the city and as the home of England Squash and Racketball we’re extremely proud to be hosting this event.”

“The competition will not only give the local residents the chance to see world class competitors in action but hopefully will inspire them to take advantage of the fantastic facilities at the National Squash Centre.

“The British Grand Prix Squash Championship is a very welcome addition to our packed sporting programme and goes to show that Manchester is city that truly values and loves sport.”
 

Schedule & Tickets

First Round Draw

[1] James Willstrop (Eng)
Daryl Selby (Eng)

Laurens Jan Anjema (Ned)
Jens Schoor (Ger)

Amr Shabana (Egy)
Qualifier

Qualifier
[3] Gregory Gaultier (Fra)

Peter Barker (Eng)
[4] Karim Darwish (Egy)

Adrian Grant (Eng)
Qualifier

Alister Walker (Bot)
Qualifier

Tom Richards (Eng)
[2] Nick Matthew (Eng)

Schedule & Tickets

Schedule & Tickets