10-Apr-08:
World Champions
head for Liverpool

Just days after claiming his twenty-fifth successive month at the head of the Men's World Rankings, thereby claiming the longest unbroken run as World No.1 since the legendary Pakistani Jansher Khan more than ten years ago, World Champion Amr Shabana of Egypt has confirmed his entry into this year's Dunlop British Open Squash Championships, to be staged in Liverpool from the 9th to 12th May.

The 28-year-old World No.1, who won his third World Open title in December, will bid to win his maiden British Open crown, the only major trophy to have eluded him so far in his illustrious career.

"I'm really looking forward to the British Open. For some reason, I've never really performed to my best at the event and I'm determined to give it my best shot this year.

"It's amazing when you look back at the great players who have won the British Open and it would be fantastic to have my name on the trophy alongside the likes of Jonah Barrington, Geoff Hunt, Jahangir Khan and Jansher."

Reigning World Open and British Open Champion Rachael Grinham of Australia has also confirmed her entry into this year's Dunlop British Open Squash Championships, and has expressed her excitement at defending the prestigious title which she has already won three times in her illustrious career.

Regarded by many as the sport's most talented and entertaining player on the women's professional circuit, the 30 year-old defeated World No.1 Nicol David in last year's final. Grinham's brilliant shot making will unquestionably make her one of the events leading title contenders.

"The British Open is a big target for me this year. Beating Nicol gave me a massive lift and provided me with the momentum to go on to win the World Open for the first time, and I am really looking forward to testing myself in Liverpool against the very best."

"Amr's record over the past three years has been incredible and it is therefore even more surprising that he still has not won the British Open.

"Like all of the Egyptian players, Amr has a real respect for the history of the sport and it will be fascinating to see how he is able to translate that into his challenge for the title this year.

"Not only is he the most consistent player on the Men's World Tour, but he is arguably the most exciting to watch and certainly one of the most charismatic. His entry in this year's championship will undoubtedly prove a major attraction for all spectators in Liverpool and is further testament to the highest regard that the players hold for the championships."

"Rachael is without question one of the game's biggest attractions and it is a major boost for everyone involved in this year's event to have the World Open and British Open Champion confirm her entry. Her ability to raise her game for the majors was never more evident than in her outstanding performance in defeating Nicol David in last year's final which was the best possible advert for not only the British Open, but for the women's game in general.

"The success of the British Open over the past three years is evidence of our commitment to working with England Squash in continuing to build a solid framework for the event which will see the tournament continue as the most prestigious squash championships in the world.

The participation of both World Champions is testament of the highest regard that the players hold for the championships.


Tournament Promoter