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