The world’s leading squash stars will be returning to Richmond, Virginia, in February for the 2010 North American Open. Nine of the world’s top ten players have confirmed their entry into this spectacular Professional Squash Association (PSA) Super Series event with a prize fund of almost $100,000.
The tournament boasts a new title sponsor in Quantitative Investment Management, based in Charlottesville, Virginia.
The event is hosted by Virginia Squash and the high-speed action takes place on the all-glass McWil exhibition court which will be erected in the Millhiser Gymnasium on the campus of the University of Richmond.
The tournament runs from February 21-27 and will be preceded by a two-day qualifying tournament as the sport’s rising stars bid for a coveted place in the main draw.
Tournament Director Gus Cook said: “We are delighted to welcome back to Richmond so many of the world’s leading players. The quality of the entertainment provided by our sport’s top athletes is absolutely sensational and we are fortunate that the current era has so many gifted, talented players who produce full-on attacking squash at all times.
“Our reigning champion, Ramy Ashour from Egypt, is a prime example. Egypt is currently the major force in world squash with three players in the world top five and all of them will be performing in Richmond."
France’s Gregory Gaultier, who has slipped from one to two in the December rankings, heads a powerful European contingent including this year’s Richmond runner-up Nick Matthew, and the 2008 champion James Willstrop. Matthew recently beat fellow Englishman Willstrop to claim his second British Open title.
The only member of the world top ten missing from the current entries is England’s stylish left-hander Peter Barker, who is nursing an injury but is hoping to be fit for the tournament.
Cook added: "This is one of the premier professional squash tournaments in a rapidly developing North American squash circuit.
“The players enjoy coming to Richmond and spectators are treated to a week of exceptional squash in a superb venue.
“It is a great opportunity for squash enthusiasts or for newcomers to the game who simply love watching world-class athletes.
“The North American Open is renowned as being a “fan-friendly” tournament and we look forward to welcoming squash enthusiasts from all the squash hotbeds here on the East Coast and from further afield.”
CURRENT ENTRIES INCLUDE (with December rankings):
1 Karim Darwish (Egypt)
2 Gregory Gaultier (France)
3 Amr Shabana (Egypt)
4 Nick Matthew (England)
5 Ramy Ashour (Egypt)
6 James Willstrop (England)
8 David Palmer (Australia)
9 Thierry Lincou (France)
10 Wael El Hindi (Egypt)
11 Daryl Selby (England)
12 Adrian Grant (England)
13 Alister Walker (England)
14 Laurens Jan Anjema (Netherlands)
15 Cameron Pilley (Australia)