Just seven months after the birth of her second child, former world
number two Natalie Grinham will make her comeback at the first
Women's Squash Association World Series championship of the year,
the Windy City Open presented by Guggenheim Partners and EquiTrust
Life Insurance Company in Chicago from 26 February to 4
March.
The
World Series Platinum event is making history by offering the
richest purse in North America this year and providing parity for men's
and women's prize money. The Windy City Open, hosted by the
University Club of Chicago and staged in the club's prestigious
Cathedral Hall, is one of only two Pro Squash World Series Events to
offer prize money parity for men and women professionals.
Australia-born Grinham, a record triple gold medallist in the 2006
Commonwealth Games who now represents the Netherlands where she
boasts three national titles, is excited about making her latest Tour
comeback after the birth of her second son Ryan on 31st July last year.
"I
feel like an addict about to get my fix," admitted the 36-year-old from
Hoofddorp. "I am excited to be going back on tour, but at the same time
nervous and curious."
Grinham, who has appeared in 44 WSA World Tour finals and boasts 19
titles, lines up against Alison Waters, the world No.5 from
England, in the first round in the top half of the draw.
"How far will I get, and will I be satisfied?" continued Grinham
(pictured above with Ryan). "I think it's possible to get back to
being competitive at the highest level.
"Having two kids requires a lot more structure, so it's going to be
tougher this time - but I do love a challenge!"
The
draw also includes Natalie's older sister Rachael Grinham, the
11th seed. The former world number one faces Hong Kong's Joey Chan
in the other half of the draw.
Malaysia's reigning world number one Nicol David is seeded to win
her 61st WSA World Series title in Chicago. The 31-year-old from Penang,
who last month won a record eighth world title, opens her Windy City
Open campaign against US wild card Olivia Blatchford.
The
draw predicts a final between David and Raneem El Welily, the
Egyptian who moved up to two in the January world rankings after
reaching December's Wadi Degla World Championship final at her
home club in Cairo against expectations.
Defending champion Laura Massaro, who beat El Welily in last
year's final, is the event's third seed. The world No.3 from England
faces a qualifier in the opening round.
Windy City Open 1st round draw:
[1] Nicol David (MAS) v [WC] Olivia Blatchford (USA)
[12] Dipika Pallikal (IND) v Qualifier
[15] Nouran Gohar (EGY) v Qualifier
[5] Alison Waters (ENG) v Natalie Grinham (NED)
[4] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) v Qualifier
[10] Annie Au (HKG) v Jenny Duncalf (ENG)
[13] Madeline Perry (IRL) v Qualifier
[8] Nour El Tayeb (EGY) v Joshana Chinappa (IND)
[6] Camille Serme (FRA) v Qualifier
[14] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) v Nicolette Fernandes (GUY)
[16] Emma Beddoes (ENG) v Sarah Kippax (ENG)
[3] Laura Massaro (ENG) v Qualifier
[7] Low Wee Wern (MAS) v Habiba Mohamed (EGY)
[11] Rachael Grinham (AUS) v Joey Chan (HKG)
[9] Omneya Abdel Kawy (EGY) v Qualifier
[2] Raneem El Welily (EGY) v Qualifier
Tickets are available at
www.windycityopen.com
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