Defending Champion and previous two-time winner, Nicol and fellow Englishman Lee Beachill currently hold the one and two spots respectively in the world and are expected to be seeded #1 and #2 in the Open. Nicol most recently topped France's double threat Gregory Gaultier (10th) and Thierry Lincou (3rd) before defeating David Palmer (4th) 15-4; 15-7; 10-15; 15-8 in the finals at the PSA Qatar Masters in April to take his third title for the year.

Number two-ranked Lee Beachill (a career high for the Brit) won the Bermuda Open in March and fought valiantly in the semifinals in Qatar against David Palmer before ultimately going down in five. Beachill, amazingly, accomplished these impressive wins while anxiously waiting news of his impending fatherhood. With nothing to preoccupy his mind, might we see the British rule the Open in September's finals?

Hard hitting and former #1 John White of Scotland (currently 5th) is expected to return, as is the smooth moving and stylistic Lincou, both offering aggressive bids for the title as well. The dynamic number 6th-ranked Jonathon Power of Canada will certainly try to reassert himself on the home continent, while a powerful Aussie contingent led by Palmer and Joe Kneipp (11th) will seek to regain their 2002 US Open glory. Both Amr Shabana (7th) and Karim Darwish (9th) of Egypt will look to add US Open success to their resumes.

To further add to the excitement, this year¹s matches will be played to 11 points...keeping the action moving and players on their toes. The new scoring system, tested by the PSA in May's Brit Insurance Super Series Finals in London will be launched formally in late August at the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Open.

The $50,000 PSA sanctioned men's tournament will feature a special ladies exhibition match during the finals program on September 21 between Natalie Grainger, current WISPA #4 and USA resident, and Sarah Fitz-Gerald, five-time World Champion and Australian Athlete of the Year in 2002.

Event Engine President and Tournament Director John Nimick sums up developments for this year's edition of the US Open, "We've put together the elements for a best-ever US Open. Not only do we expect all the top players to be fit, hungry and sharp after their summer break, but the use of the new men's scoring system opens up the field for any player to have an explosive run and gives us all something exciting to look forward to."

He continues, "Top this off with our world class ladies exhibition on finals night and a new golf tournament at Turner Hill to benefit our official charity, SquashBusters, on the day of the semifinals and we've got quite a comprehensive program on tap for 2004."

With prime seating for 1,200, the U.S. Open at Symphony Hall is one of the largest squash venues in the world. Spectators can enjoy all the action from custom-built arena seating on the floor surrounding the court, as well as from additional seats available in the first and second balcony of Symphony Hall. Tickets start at just $25 ($15 for students and children) and are available by calling 877.524.5685

SCHEDULE
Saturday, September 18 from 6:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m., First Round Sunday, September 19 from 1:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m., Quarterfinals Monday, September 20 from 7:30 p.m. 10:00 p.m., Semifinals Tuesday, September 21 from 7:30 p.m. 10:00 p.m., Ladies Exhibition & Finals