The world's top men and women squash players learned today that the forthcoming Qatar Classic, one of the biggest annual events on the international circuit, has been postponed.

Both the Professional Squash Association (PSA) and Women's International Squash Players' Association (WISPA) received correspondence from the Qatar Squash Federation which expressed regret that the events, with a combined prize fund of more than $200,000, "will be postponed until further notice due to the non completion of the squash complex."

The letter continued:  "The plan is to host the Qatar classic within the coming 6 months after getting the final approval from Qatar national Olympic committee.  Again I would like to apologise for everyone on behalf of Qatar squash federation."

Local sources are confident that the venue will be ready in good time for the Asian Games, which will be held at the complex in December.  Building delays, however, had made it impossible to meet the October Qatar Classic dates.

Andrew Shelley, Executive Director of WISPA, said:  "Whilst this is extremely disappointing for all concerned, it is important to remember that the Qatar Squash Federation have been supporters of both WISPA and the PSA for a number of years with the Qatar Classic - and we know that their passion will ensure that the Classic will take place in the coming months."

Gawain Briars, the PSA Chief Executive, added:  "I know that the Qatar Squash Federation will be no less disappointed with this news than we are.  We will be working with all parties with immediate effect to find a date to run the 2006 Qatar Classic early next year, followed later in the year by the 2007 event."