Organisers of the Saudi Squash International have raised the prize-fund of the 2007 event to $210,000 - making it the richest event of the year on the Professional Squash Association Tour.

"When we negotiated the five-year plan for the Saudi International with the PSA, we agreed that our tournament would be the highest paying tournament after the World Open every year," said Ziad Al-Turki, Vice-President of the ATCO Group.

"I feel that not only does Saudi Arabia deserve to get this recognition, but also we want - most importantly - to increase the prize money in squash," added Al-Turki.  "That's one of the main reasons I got into this in the first place!"

PSA Chief Executive Gawain Briars added:  "Ziad Al-Turki and Atco Group have stepped up the momentum again, with the confirmation of a $10,000 increase in prize money for the upcoming Saudi International.  The players are increasingly receiving the recognition their hard work and efforts warrant - in their pockets.

"That said, this further motivation will again increase competition as players know that more world ranking points are at stake.  Increased competition equates to higher levels of commitment and performance thus providing the best squash possible for spectators live, on television and on the internet."

The Super Series Platinum event will take place in the Saudi Arabian coastal town of Al Khobar from 23-28 October, with qualifying at the St George's Hill Club in Weybridge, England, between 18-19 July.