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01-Feb-07:
WOMEN'S WORLD OPEN
UP FOR GRABS
Not easy to organise major squash events, I tell you, whether from
a PSA or WISPA perspective. And when it comes to World Events, it
becomes even harder. So many elements to juggle with. You don’t
want the job, trust me…
As far as this year is concerned, WISPA, along with the WSF, had
been looking for a host for their 2007 World Open and had
discussions with several nations. And things were looking good for
a long while, it seemed as if Ladies had found a lovely host and
all, but after twelve long months of negotiations, at the eleventh
hour the news just hit: the funding hadn’t come through to host
the event.
Bugger. Blast. Freak it.
Now they are putting the event out to tender, all in a bit of a
rush, but Mr Super Shelley has seen worse than this, and I’m sure
will land on his feet by the time I finish this article…
So, people out there, you love squash, you want some outstanding
performances from superb athletes? Then you want the Women's World
Open ...
 "We
hope to follow up the success of Belfast last year with another
superb event somewhere else.
"With the TV, general media and promotional value of the top
players in the world battling for the ultimate title I am sure
that there will be a good deal of hosting interest."
WISPA Chief Executive
wispahq@aol.com |
Womens World Open
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15-Jan-07:
PSA
Celebrate Record Multi-Year Agreement In Kuwait
Gawain Briars, the Chief Executive of the Professional Squash
Association, has confirmed a three-year agreement in Kuwait which
is the biggest in the history of the PSA. Briars is in Kuwait with
PSA Tour Director Robert Edwards, and made the announcement today
at a press conference in Kuwait City.
The 2007 Sheikha Al Saad Kuwait Open, from 7-11 April,
together with the 2008 Kuwait Open, will be elevated to Super
Series Platinum status - each offering prize-funds of $172,500 -
with the climax of the three-year deal being the 2009 World Open
Championship, which will boast prize money of $250,000 - an
all-time record!
 "This
is the largest multi-year agreement in the history of professional
squash, culminating in 2009 with the largest-ever prize money
contract of a quarter of a million US dollars for the Men's World
Open.
"The PSA is truly indebted to Sheikha Fadyah Al Sabah for
providing the vision and generosity in presenting this opportunity
to the world of squash. Her achievement single-handedly lifts the
standards for all to follow. Her efforts on behalf of Kuwait are
enormous.
"I have also given to Sheikha Al Sabah a letter of congratulations
from our Chairman Jack Herrick."
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 "Having
made the decision to retire in Bermuda at the 2007 World Open at
the end of the year, the only reason I would extend my
relationship with the PSA Tour is if I were to find another
Everest."
"Kuwait is my Everest - and I intend to honour my agreement with
Sheikha Fadyah Al Sabah to produce and direct the biggest
triple-event package ever announced, culminating in the World Open
in 2009!"
Tournament Director |
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02-Jan-07:
PSA Open Up Closed Satellite Opportunities ...
The Professional Squash Association has introduced a new initiative
which will give opportunities for players to compete and earn
ranking points in 'Closed' events, ie. those restricted to residents
of a country.
As an addition to the existing National Closed Championship
category, the PSA will now sanction Closed Satellite Tournaments
- which can be a single tournament or a series - open only to
members of an association that represents national players. There is
no limit on the prize money that can be paid, but ranking points
will be capped at the $2,500 level.
PSA members can compete in any number of Closed Satellite events in
a year, but must confirm immediately after each event if they wish
to receive ranking points. This will benefit top players who wish to
support Squash development in their country, but do not want to
lower their rankings.
The new category - covered in the new PSA Tour Guide and effective
from this month - has a low registration fee of £60 sterling and
players can register as Country Members at a discounted rate.
The British Squash
Professionals Association is the first body to take
advantage of the new rules and all its 2007 events will be PSA-sanctioned.
 "The BSPA is delighted that the Closed
Satellite concept has been expanded to include our HEAD Grand Prix
events.
"We are happy to be working with the PSA to give the stars of the
future, whose primary concern must be to earn a living, the chance
to earn world ranking points on home soil and compete against more
established players."
Tim Garner
BSPA Tour Director |
 "This is a small
change in the rules of the PSA Tour, but one which has great
significance for aspiring professionals and for national Squash
Federations.
"National Federations can now mount a series of events
in their own country which will give their young players the chance
to earn a place in the PSA rankings without having to make the huge
financial and personal commitment to world travel.
"Also, they can use their top players freely to showcase the events
without them being disadvantaged in the rankings.
"We will be
discussing local programmes with all the top Squash nations and
promoters soon so that they can consider following the hugely
successful pattern created by the BSPA in the UK."
PSA Chief Exec |
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From
the 1st January 2007 the DSQV (German Squash Federation) has a new
National Coach. 
