WORLD SQUASH NEWS

World Champions Vie For World Squash Awards

A total of six reigning world squash champions have been nominated for awards in the inaugural World Squash Awards which will take place at the RAC in Pall Mall, London, on Friday (6th May).

The event, organised by event promoters Eventis Sports Marketing and backed by the World Squash Federation (WSF), the Women's International Squash Players' Association (WISPA) and the Professional Squash Association (PSA), will celebrate a year of fantastic squash - with the winners of each category being announced on the night.

France's men's world champion Thierry Lincou joins Englishmen Lee Beachill and James Willstrop as nominations for the 'Male Player of the Year' award - while candidates for the 'Female Player of the Year' award include Netherlands' world champion Vanessa Atkinson and Australian sisters Natalie Grinham and Rachael Grinham, who last December became the women's world doubles champions.

James Willstrop is also nominated for the 'Young Male Player of the Year' award, with Egypt's reigning world junior champion Ramy Ashour and England's Chris Simpson, the European junior champion.

The 'Young Female Player of the Year' award candidates include Malaysia's Asian champion Nicol David, England's Alison Waters and the current women's world junior champion Omneya Abdel Kawy, from Egypt.

There will also be a Lifetime Achievement Award that will be presented on the night.

Eventis director Peter Nicol MBE, who recently celebrated 60 months as world No1, explained the reasons behind the World Awards concept:  "We felt squash needed a high profile evening that can bring all parties together to enjoy what has gone before and also discuss the exciting times ahead.  All other sports have such an occasion and we are delighted that the RAC was willing to give us the chance to host the event in suitably splendid surroundings that are intrinsically linked with the sport."

The award nominees were decided by the World Squash Awards panel, comprising The Times squash correspondent Colin McQuillan; US event promoter John Nimick; PSA President Mark Chaloner; WISPA Executive Director Andrew Shelley; and WSF Vice-President Joyce Buckley.

Tickets are still available for the dinner and are priced £75.00, to include champagne reception, dinner with wine and guest speaker.  Tables of 10 can also be booked.