EVENTIS SQUASH NEWS

MAMUT ENGLISH OPEN ENTRY BOASTS SQUASH'S BIG THREE!

Entries have now closed for this August's Mamut English Open and squash fans across the country are in for a real treat with the world's three in-form players taking centre stage at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield.

The Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, has been host to many world class fields over the years in the Embassy World Snooker Championships - but this year's Mamut English Open, hosted by Sheffield City Council, is no exception.  World No1 Peter Nicol is one of the co-promoters of the event and will be desperate to pick up 'his' trophy after an early exit last year.  Having picked up three of the first four major titles this year, he looks to be back to his dominant best.

However, PSA Masters champion Nicol will face a stiff challenge from Yorkshire's world No2 Lee Beachill, whose great form over the past 12 months has seen him pick up the Qatar International & Bermuda Open titles.  Beachill always performs well on home ground and with strong local support will certainly be confident of making an impact this year. 

However, one man who will have a say in the destination of the trophy is big-hitting defending champion John White. The popular Scotsman and British National Champion gave those north of the border a treat last year by winning the English Open title - and he will be equally determined to do so this year.

"What a fantastic line-up we have for our event," commented Tim Garner, of Eventis Sports Marketing.  "To have the World No1 & 2, plus the British Champion, all playing at the Mamut English Open ensures a worthy winner of the title - be it one of them, or perhaps one of the rising stars on the circuit like Nick Matthew or James Willstrop, who will have to raise their levels yet further to do so!

"We saw last year what a spectacular venue for a squash event the Crucible is and it is fitting that players of this calibre will tread the famous boards.  We now await with excitement the draw.  Last year's epic between Peter and Anthony Ricketts was mooted as one of the best matches of all time and we are sure there will be some more tremendous battles fought out all the way through the draw," added Garner.

Tickets are now available for the Mamut English Open from the hotline on 0114 249 6000, or online at www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/buyit.  Children are half price and there is a 10% discount for groups of 10 or more.