China To Host Historic
First World Squash Championship
The first world squash championship ever to be held in
China will take place in September when the city of Dalian
hosts the 2018 WSF Women's World Team Championship.
Dalian, a major city and seaport in the south of
Liaoning Province, will stage the biennial World Squash Federation
championship at the Xigang Gymnasium, from 11-16 September, in
another example of the worldwide reach of the sport as squash makes its
case for Olympic inclusion.
The venue will feature three all-glass showcourts, with
arena seating, plus four permanent all-glass courts.
Alongside hosts China, confirmed entries include
Australia, Canada, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Germany, Hong
Kong China, India, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa,
Switzerland and USA.
On awarding the rights to the event's new hosts, WSF
President Jacques Fontaine said: "China is a member of the world
squash family that is showing its maturity with this hosting. There have
been major international championships held on showcourts in iconic
settings such as the Bund in Shanghai (see below), and now women
players from across the globe are excited about playing the World Team
Championship in the city of Dalian.
"We are very grateful to the Chinese Squash Association,
Dalian Squash and the city authorities who have collaborated to bring
this premier event to China. We know that the teams, officials and
spectators will have a memorable time in Dalian."
Mrs Zhao Liping, Vice-Dean of
the Multiball Center of the General Sports Administration
of China said: "The Women's World Team Championship 2018, which will
be held in Dalian city of Liao Ning Province, is welcoming elite lady
players from all over the world to compete together. The great squash
event will definitely be a successful one, contributing to the
development of the sport of squash in China as well as the world."
On behalf of Dalian Squash, Mr Wang Guoguang
(pictured above) looks forward to the event, saying: "It is our
pleasure and honour to welcome so many elite women players from around
the world to our XiGang Centre, where they will inspire the passionate
Chinese squash community. Squash in China is growing quickly and hosting
this prestigious championship demonstrates our capability."
Since its launch in 1979, the Women's World Team
Championship has been held in 11 different countries across all five
continents - the most recent being France in 2016 when Egypt
won the title for the third time, beating former champions England in
the final in the capital Paris.
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