The Forexx Dutch Open Squash 2008 has attracted a strong line-up in the women’s draw with 21 out of the 25 highest ranked female players in the world entered. Amongst them are 8 of the world’s top-10 players, including world number 1 Nicol David, Dutch ace Natalie Grinham (2), reigning World Champion Rachael Grinham (3), America’s Natalie Grainger (4) and former World Champion Vanessa Atkinson (9).

The exclusive Women’s International Squash Players Association (WISPA) Gold championship will take place from September 2-7 in the Frans Otten Stadion in Amsterdam.

Local interest in the professional event in the Netherlands, featuring a total prize fund of USD $53,500, will also be boosted by the participation of four more Dutch players in the qualifying competition. Annelize Naudé (20), the current Dutch Champion, and 22-year old Orla Noom (39) made it directly into the qualifying of the biggest Dutch squash event since 1992 on their own merits where they will be joined by fellow country women Dagmar Vermeulen (84) and 17-year old Milou van der Heijden (94), who both received a wildcard from the organizers.

“It is clear that we couldn’t possibly be happier with the entries we received for the Forexx Dutch Open”, said tournament director Tommy Berden on behalf of Next Events. “The participation of almost every single one of the world’s leading female players, including the top-6, shows that the event has acquired an important position within the international squash community. And we are obviously very happy with that. It also ensures that we will get to see top matches from the first round onwards, which only benefits the tournament. 

The male participants for the Forexx Dutch Open Squash 2008 will be announced tomorrow. At present Nick Matthew, ranked 7th in the world, triple Dutch champion Laurens Jan Anjema (15) and former world number 1 John White (19) head the entry list for the PSA 3 star event in the Netherlands.