Men's World Open Returns To Egypt
Following a competitive bidding process, the Professional Squash Association has awarded the rights to host and promote the PSA Men's World Open Squash Championship to Egypt.
Sponsored by the Al-Ahram Foundation and staged from 28 August to 6 September, the 2006 Al-Ahram Men's World Open will boast a world ranking prize fund of $152,500 and bring elite squash back to the sport's most spectacular setting – on the all-glass court at the Giza Plateaux Cairo.
Not since September 2001 has the world enjoyed squash played alongside Egypt's famous pyramids. The 2001 Al-Ahram International brought to an end a memorable six-year run of PSA Super Series events staged at Giza, including a World Open in 1999 when Britain's Peter Nicol beat local hero Ahmed Barada in a final watched by an audience of more than 5,000 and shown live on national TV!
The 2006 World Open will now give Egypt's latest star Amr Shabana - who became the country's first ever world champion in 2003, then reclaimed his title late last year – a unique chance to defend his crown before local fans.
Gawain Briars, Chief Executive of the PSA, stated: “This is a remarkable return of the World Open to Cairo. Every time I talk to fans of professional squash around the world, they always remind me of the incredible images of the Giza Plateaux and the pyramids – and now I’m delighted to confirm that the PSA Men's World Open is returning again to that iconic venue. Many of our new stars have never enjoyed the experience, and this will be a World Open they will savour for its most special history and atmosphere.
"PSA congratulates the Al-Ahram Foundation on their successful bid to host the World Open 2006. The Al-Ahram Foundation is one of the lasting and most generous sponsors of big time events on the world circuit, and they have once again demonstrated their support and commitment to our game. PSA looks forward to returning to Cairo to enjoy the famous hospitality and support of our long-standing friends in Egypt."
The 2006 World Open in Cairo will be followed by the World Open in Bermuda in 2007, and the 2008 World Open in Manchester, England.
"From a structural perspective, I am particularly delighted that the World Open is now confirmed and secured for the next three years which reflects the growing optimism and enthusiasm in support of the professional divisions," added Briars.
"The World Open is the biggest and most prestigious event in the professional calendar – this is the tournament all the players want to win. In particular, the world number one and current title holder, Amr Shabana, will be as motivated as possible to re-lift his title in front of the home crowd.”
Tournament Director Abdel Monem El Sawy added: “On behalf of the Al-Ahram Foundation and Egyptian Squash, I am pleased that we have secured the rights to host and promote the PSA Men's World Open 2006.
"Having successfully promoted this event and the Al Ahram International tournaments previously, it is particularly satisfying to us that the biggest event in world squash is returning once again to the Giza Plateaux Cairo.
"No other event has the international prestige and prize fund of the World Open, so Egypt - which has now such a strong and still increasing reputation in squash - is proud to host the event. We look forward to welcoming back to our country in August all our friends in squash for what will be the most memorable tournament for many years.”
Christian Leighton, Chief Executive of the World Squash Federation (WSF) also responded to the news: "WSF is delighted that the Men's World Open is returning to Africa. Egypt has been leading the way for the continent and this event will create development opportunities for the sport in other African nations.
"With this event now confirmed, all World Championships up to 2008 have now been awarded," added the WSF chief. "This is a testament to the health of the sport, the leadership of our Member Nations and the collaboration between the governing bodies at all levels."