Canadian Open On While Hong Kong Open Off On the day that it was confirmed that the Canadian Open is to make a long-awaited return to the Professional Squash Association World Tour, the PSA learned that its longest-standing event the Hong Kong Open will not take place in 2003. "Hong Kong Squash regrets to announce that, following the outbreak of SARS in Hong Kong, the Cathay Pacific Squash Open 2003 will be postponed," said Executive Director Heather Deayton in a message to the PSA today (Wednesday). "This is due to the concern of overseas players coming to Hong Kong and participating in the event in such circumstances. The Cathay Pacific Squash Open always attracts the very best players in the world and it is most disappointing that it has been necessary to cancel the event this year. "However, squash enthusiasts can look forward to the event in 2004," Deayton added. The Hong Kong Open is one of the most prestigious and popular events on the PSA Tour, launched in 1985, with Cathay Pacific the longest-serving sponsor in the sport. "The Cathay Pacific Open is one of the finest events on our Tour and I know that all our members will be hugely disappointed to hear this news from Hong Kong," said PSA Executive Director Gawain Briars. "Our best wishes go to Heather Deayton and her team at this time." The West Edmonton Mall Canadian Open will take place at West Edmonton Mall's Ice Palace from 28 October to 3 November - and will be "the largest squash tournament in Canada," according to Tournament Director Kevin MacMillen. "The fact that 56 of the top professional squash players in the world will compete for $75,000 US, makes the Canadian Open one of the premier squash events in the world." The return of the Canadian Open, a Super Series Silver event, comes only a few days after the PSA announced that the Spanish Open will also be revived this year - staged in Seville in June.