The Professional Squash Association (PSA) has announced the launch of live web streaming from the prestigious Tournament of Champions in New York, between 21-26 February. Viewers will be able to watch the action between the world's best professional players, live as it happens, from Grand Central Station in New York, in the new service provided by the PSA in conjunction with Horizon Software.

"We are encouraging our members, and squash fans world wide to follow the action, and also to provide feedback," said PSA Chief Executive Gawain Briars.

"I believe squash fans around the world have been waiting a long time for this moment, and I am very pleased that the PSA has now reached the stage where it can announce this pilot scheme. I know our loyal Tournament of Champions promoter, John Nimick and Event Engine, are just as excited as we are at this innovation because, for obvious reasons, this could add a whole new dimension to the sport of squash.

"May I also add that, being the very first time this has happened in our sport, this is a test scheme and I ask our viewers to extend a little patience as we strive to provide a quality viewing experience. Certainly, viewers with broadband will get a better reception but streaming can be downloaded also on a 56K modem," Briars added.

"We plan to stream all the matches from New York that are played on the portable court in the Terminus. There will also be sound from referees and the ball and some commentary. There will also be the live scoreboard facility which, if viewers chose, they can click and drag down into a corner of the streaming picture to have the live action and scoring on their screen simultaneously.

"We have also provided a 'feedback' facility and I would be very grateful if our viewers could return with their comments to us so that, if all goes well, the next time will be even further enhanced.

"The take up for matches will be on a first come first serve basis, with only limited numbers available at this first test. I hope this major new service in squash will prove to be well received by all squash enthusiasts world wide, and PSA looks forward to the feedback to help us develop this technology with Horizon further to enhance the experience in the coming period," Briars concluded.

Howard Harding

Ticket information
and session times:
Zerline Goodman 718.488.6262
-or- tocsquash@verizon.net


Program advertising
and media enquiries:
Beth Rasin 212.213.8248


Event and sponsorship info:
John Nimick 617.731.6874.


Grand Central Terminal info:
Dawn Banket 212.340.3406.