Allam
British Open Joins 2012 PSA World Series
England Squash & Racketball (ESR)
and the Professional Squash Association (PSA) confirmed today
that the historic Allam British Open Squash Championships will
form part of the PSA World Series in 2012.
The
British Open returns to London at the iconic O2 sports
arena from 7-13 May 2012. The PSA World Series Platinum
championship boasts a prize fund of $150,000 and will become one of the
richest international events of the year.
Nick Rider,
CEO England Squash & Racketball, commented: "We are delighted that the
Allam British Open will form part of the 2012 PSA World Series. One of
the most historic championships in the game, the British Open remains
arguably the most prestigious tournament in the world.
"In
the absence of Olympic inclusion in 2012, the British Open at an Olympic
venue will be a fitting replacement and an opportunity for the world's
top squash players to showcase the sport on its biggest platform to
date."
PSA
CEO Alex Gough added: "Winning the British Open is the dream of
every squash player in the world, so we are delighted that this
illustrious event is not only back on the calendar, but being staged as
a PSA World Series event in England's great capital city."
The
British Open is one of the world's most prestigious and
longest-established squash championships, with a rich history harking
back to the early 1920s. Widely revered as the 'Wimbledon of Squash',
the British Open is one of the most sought-after titles by players from
all over the world.
Past
champions include the illustrious Pakistani Jahangir Khan (winner
of a record 10 titles from 1982-1991); Australia's Geoff Hunt (8
titles between 1969 and 1981); Pakistan's Hashim Khan (7 titles
from 1951-1958) and Jansher Khan (6 titles from 1992-1997); and
Britain's most successful champion Jonah Barrington (6 titles
from 1967-1973).
Contesting the 2012 title will be Englishman James Willstrop, the
reigning world number one who reached the final in 2005, 2008 and 2009,
challenged by fellow countryman Nick Matthew, the current world
number two (champion in 2006 & 2009) and Frenchman Gregory Gaultier,
the 2007 champion.
The
women's event also boasts a number of notable champions, none more so
than Australian Heather McKay, who won a record 16 titles from
1962-1977. England's world No2 Jenny Duncalf and world No4
Laura Massaro will be aiming to keep the title on home soil.
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