WORLD SQUASH NEWS Squash Open Launched In Memory of Kuwaiti Sheikha A major new international squash event will be launched next year in memory of a member of the Kuwaiti Royal family. The Sheikha Sa'ad Kuwait Open, which will take place in Kuwait City from 28 January to 02 February 2004, will celebrate the life of Sheikha Al Sa'ad Al-Sabah, who died on the 2nd February 2003 at the age of just 38. The tournament will be a sporting memorial to a remarkable woman, who was herself a first class squash player. The popular Sheikha was Managing Director of International Marketing KPC Oil and a dedicated member of the Kuwaiti Royal family, deeply committed to her country. The Sheikha Sa'ad Kuwait Open is expected to attract the world's top men and women players. The Women's International Squash Players' Association (WISPA) Open will be a Gold event, offering a $42,500 prize fund, whilst the men's Professional Squash Association (PSA) 5 star event will provide a $65,000 prize fund. Details of the new event were confirmed at a meeting in Kuwait attended by Gawain Briars, Executive Director of the PSA, and Robert Edwards the PSA World Tour Technical Director. Hosted by the Kuwait Royal family, the gathering included Sheikha Fadia Al-Sabah, sister of the late Sheikha Sa'ad Al-Sabah, Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence, and Sheikh Fahad Jaber Ahmed Al-Sabah, son of the Emir and also Chairman of the Public Authority for Youth and Sport. Commenting on the exciting new Kuwaiti initiative, Gawain Briars said: "I am delighted that Kuwait is returning to the international calendar with the Sheikha Sa'ad Kuwait Open, hosting a WISPA Gold event and a PSA 5 star event. The hospitality and generous nature of the dignitaries we met leaves me in no doubt that our players will be warmly welcomed back to a country proud of its sporting traditions. Adel Al Ghareeb has achieved a remarkable feat in brokering this festival but I pay special tribute to Sheikha Fadia, Sheikh Salem and Sheikh Fahad for their hospitality and vision in deciding to make our proposals a reality. Their commitment to the Associations will be truly vindicated." WISPA Director Andrew Shelley added: "Every new championship is a real boost for the Tour and our members. Although there is sadness at the catalyst for it, we are sure that it will come to be seen as an exciting way to celebrate the life of the Sheikha." Under the Chairmanship of Sheikha Fadia Al-Sabah, Robert Edwards will direct the event with the request that it be a festival of music - dance and sport at its ultimate best. Ex-PSA member Adel Al Ghareeb of Kuwait will be the Tournament Director.