WORLD SQUASH NEWS

Bear Stearns Takes Title of Top USA Squash Tournament

Leading US squash promoter John Nimick has announced that the New York City-based financial leader Bear Stearns is to become title sponsor of the 2004 Tournament of Champions.

Bear Stearns, a leading investment banking, securities trading and brokerage firm, has signed on as lead sponsor of the USA's largest and most prestigious professional squash championship.  The agreement officially changes the name of the 74-year-old tournament to the "Bear Stearns Tournament of Champions."   The Tournament of Champions, scheduled for February 21-26, is entering its seventh year as the only annual world class sporting event to be held at Grand Central Terminal.

The main attraction of the 2004 event is a 5 Star PSA World Tour ranking tournament for men featuring $60,000 in prize money and more than 56 of the world's best players.  Newly-crowned world No1 Thierry Lincou from France is top seed, while challengers include reigning World Champion Amr Shabana from Egypt (world No5) and old rivals Peter Nicol from England (No2) and Jonathon Power from Canada (No7).  

Scotland's world No3 John White is seeded to face Lincou in the final, while 2003 Qatar Classic champion Lee Beachill, from England, makes his debut as fourth seed, and 2002 World Champion David Palmer of Australia carries his No6 seeding and world ranking into the draw.  Australian Joe Kneipp (No10) rounds out the lead group.

Commenting on the title sponsor agreement, promoter John Nimick of Event Engine, Inc., said:  "The addition of Bear Stearns to the Tournament of Champions is an extremely exciting development.  Our goal since starting new title sponsor discussions in mid-2003 was to secure a locally-based partner who would invest in making this unique event both a leader in the world of professional squash and a better recognised part of the New York City sports scene.   Bear Stearns' support bolsters the momentum squash is enjoying in the USA while offering the long term opportunity of re-developing the ToC into the sport's top global event."

Bear Stearns Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President Sam Molinaro added:  "The Tournament of Champions is one of the premier squash events in the world and it is being held in a magnificent venue in the heart of New York City.  We are proud to be associated with this great event and we look forward to an exciting and competitive tournament."

The action will be staged in a temporary squash arena in Grand Central's Vanderbilt Hall featuring a see-through, glass walled portable squash court and reserved seating for 500.