Hong Kong Open 2003
CANCELLED
DUE TO SARS  30-Apr

The 2003 Cathay Pacific Squash Open has joined the long list of events to be cancelled because of the Sars outbreak, reports the South China Morning Post. Organisers yesterday decided not to wait any longer and cancelled Hong Kong's showpiece squash tournament which was to be played from August 24 to 31.

"It takes a lot of planning to get the event under way. Although they say Sars might have peaked in Hong Kong, we are still not sure what will happen," said Heather Deayton, executive director of Hong Kong Squash. "We took the decision to let it go this year. We will be back 100 per cent next year."

An official press release announced the tournament had been cancelled due to concerns of overseas players about coming to Hong Kong. The tournament has been held for the past 18 years, always under the sponsorship of Cathay Pacific. "The decision was jointly taken by the executive committee and the sponsors to cancel this year. It is a major disappointment, not only for us but I'm sure for the players too. They always look forward to playing in Hong Kong, but not this year," Deayton said.

England's Peter Nicol was set to defend his title this year. The world number one won his third title last year, defeating Jonathon Power in a hard-fought final. The cancellation follows a spate of other high-profile sporting events falling foul of Sars. Among them were the San Fernando Yacht race from Hong Kong to the Philippines, the Davis Cup tie between Hong Kong and Lebanon, the Soccer Sevens, the national football team's 2004 Olympic qualifying matches and Hong Kong rugby's 50th anniversary tour to Europe.

According to Deayton, the Hong Kong Closed Championship which was due to be held in May-June, has also been cancelled. This tournament, only for local players, might be held later in the year if the health problems clear up.

"There is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding Sars. We don't know what will happen. There is no vaccine in sight. In light of all these issues, we took the decision to call everything off," she added.