08-Dec-03
Brit Insurance Renews
Sponsorship Of Super Series
Squash Finals

World-class squash received a major boost today as Brit Insurance Holdings PLC (Brit), the UK general insurer, announced a further year's sponsorship of the PSA Super Series Finals, one of the sport's most prestigious events and the only world-class sporting event to take place within London's Square Mile.

The deal sees Brit Insurance extend its title sponsorship of the event into 2004 following a successful first year's sponsorship of the tournament, which took place at The Broadgate Arena in May earlier this year.

The Brit Insurance Super Series Finals is one of the most eagerly anticipated dates on world squash's annual calendar. Established in 1992, the tournament brings together the top eight players from the PSA Super Series Tour to compete in an annual grand final for one of the sport's most prestigious titles.

Neil Eckert, Brit Chief Executive, said: - "We were delighted with our inaugural year of sponsorship of the Brit Insurance Super Series Finals and are pleased to confirm our continued support of the event in 2004."

"This year's tournament saw record ticket sales, unprecedented levels of media coverage and a thrilling final between Jonathon Power and Peter Nicol, the sport's greatest rivals.

"The Super Series Finals represents a valuable opportunity to promote the Brit Insurance name to a captive City audience. Indeed the tournament embodies many of the values that Brit Insurance itself champions - not least those of developing world class skills in a chosen field of endeavor and of delivering a total commitment to performance."

Gawain Briars, PSA Executive Director, added: "The PSA is delighted that once again Satinder Bajwa and his team at WSM have fulfilled their aims in presenting this year's Super Series Finals at Broadgate Arena, which is fast becoming synonymous with an annual battle between the best male players in the world.

"The special format of this property has been enhanced by the promoter's vision and desire to bring out the best in a first class squash event in a first class venue with the top PSA players from the previous season's Super Series rankings. PSA is indebted to the confirmed ongoing commitment of Brit Insurance who will reap the benefits of this association."

Next year's Brit Insurance Super Series Finals, promoted once again by WSM Sport and Complete Squash Solutions (CSS), will take place in a specially-constructed, all-glass court at the Broadgate Arena from Monday 10th to Friday 14th May. The event will be contested by the top eight players from the five Super Series qualifying events staged in 2003, including The Tournament of Champions in New York, The PSA Masters, the Canadian Open, the Qatar Classic and the World Open in Pakistan.

The 2003 Brit Insurance Super Series Finals was won by Canadian World No.2 Jonathan Power after overcoming England's Peter Nicol in a thrilling 5-game match that went down to the very last point. Nicol, currently ranked No.1 in the PSA Super Series standings, is set to make a record ninth successive appearance at next year's Finals, after making his debut back in 1996.

About Brit Insurance Holdings PLC ("Brit Insurance").
Brit Insurance Holdings PLC ("Brit") is an insurance holding company that writes both direct and reinsurance business through Lloyd's and its FSA regulated company, Brit Insurance Limited. In 2004, Brit is forecast to write in excess of £1.3 billion of premium income (gross). Brit is a FTSE 250 company listed on the London Stock Exchange with a market capitalisation of circa £720 million (as at 1st December) with its FSA company, Brit Insurance Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority is rated A (Excellent) with a stable outlook by A.M. Best and also rated A (Strong) with positive outlook by Fitch.