26-Aug-03
HONG KONG TO HOST
WOMEN'S WORLD OPEN
The 19th Women's World Open Squash Championship
will take place in Hong Kong from 7 to 13 December. Hosted by Hong Kong
Squash and sanctioned by the World Squash Federation (WSF) and the Women's
International Squash Players' Association (WISPA), the premier event on the
women's international calendar will be staged at the Hong Kong Squash
Centre, with the final rounds at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Kowloon.
The event will mark the first time that a world tournament will be organised
using an outdoor location with a four-sided clear view squash court in Hong
Kong. The championships will feature a prize fund which will be a minimum of
(US) $57,500.
"The 2003 World Women's Open will feature the elite Squash players of the
world, including all the top-class players who have been competing against
each other for a number of years, and of course Hong Kong's own Rebecca Chiu
being one of them," said Chairman of Hong Kong Squash Mr. David Mui.
"As well as enjoying one of the great competitions on our calendar, the
players will also have the perfect occasion to get to know Hong Kong, where
they can enjoy playing outside with the fabulous backdrop of the harbour and
neon lights of HK Island," Mui added
Natalie Grainger, the President of WISPA who is ranked No2 in the world,
commented: "The World Open is our pinnacle event and we are delighted that
it will be in the capable hands of Hong Squash. Squash in Asia has been
gaining momentum, and it is a tribute to the federation's dedication and
enthusiasm that they are now staging the World Open in such an exciting new
setting.
"The girls are all excited about returning to the energised city of Hong
Kong," said Grainger, the losing finalist last year who has reverted to her
family name after separating from her husband.
|
HK Squash launch
"It will be the first time that we are
holding a tournament outdoors. It will be an absolutely spectacular view
with the fabulous harbour neon lights of Hong Kong Island in the
background,''
Heather Deayton, executive director of HK Squash
Artist's impression of the setting
"I will have to make certain that I reach
the semi-finals, I have never played in a tournament outdoors. It will be
lovely."
Rebecca Chiu |