WORLD SQUASH NEWS

Qatar To Host Men's World Open

The Professional Squash Association (PSA) has revealed that, following recent negotiations with representatives of the Qatar Squash Federation in Mauritius, the 2004 Qatar Men's World Open Squash Championship will be held in the host country's capital Doha next month.

"I am delighted that the Qatar Squash Federation, at this late stage, have agreed to regrade their annual Super Series event to the Qatar World Open - and we are grateful for their timely intervention," said PSA Chief Executive Gawain Briars today (Wednesday).

Following discussions with Nabil Ali Bin Ali and Hisham Algosaibi, President and Director, respectively, of the QSF, the PSA World Open 2004 will be staged in Doha from 28 November to 3 December at the prestigious QSF Squash Centre, where PSA members have played many great matches over recent years, including the World Open in 1998.

"The pinnacle title which Egypt's Amr Shabana so spectacularly seized nearly a year ago in Pakistan will be eagerly fought for in Doha and, judging by previous performances, the new world champion will not be easy to predict!" added Briars.

The 2004 Qatar World Open, the 26th World Open since the inaugural event in England in 1976, will boast a $120,000 prize fund and will provide the perfect climax to a record year for the PSA.