Tournament promoters NextSquash and tournament partners Rotterdam Topsport and Squash Bond Nederland revealed today (Thursday) at a press conference that the World Open Squash 2011 will take place next year in the Dutch city of Rotterdam.
The most important championship in 2011 on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) and Women’s International Squash Players’ Association (WISPA) World Tours will start on October 28th with the finals scheduled for November 6th.
The renowned Luxor Theatre will play host to the official individual world championship for men and women for the last four days (3-6 Nov) of the championship. A full glass court will be erected on the podium of the famous theatre in the harbour city which has a seating capacity of 1,500. The early stages of the championship (28 Oct - 2 Nov) will be played at Victoria Squash, one of the most successful squash clubs in the Netherlands, which boasts 12 squash courts and was the venue for the Dutch Open Squash 2009 last November.
Peter Lamers, the Alderman of Rotterdam, is delighted that the World Open Squash 2011 is coming to his city: "This is a fantastic combination! A prestigious international sporting event in one of the most beautiful theatres of Rotterdam: A unique connection of sport and culture. Squash fans from all over the world will be able to witness a world championship for both men and women in an incredible setting.
"I play squash myself and the Dutch Open last year made me realise how great it is to watch the best players in the world go head to head. We will not only use the World Open to promote Rotterdam worldwide, but we will also take this opportunity to stimulate children and seniors to exercise more."
Squash Bond Nederland CEO Marcel Borst also reacted enthusiastically: "Squash, a fast and dynamic sport which fits perfectly with the dynamics of Rotterdam. The matches at the World Open, where players compete for glory on a global stage, are truly spectacular. The Luxor Theatre is a beautiful venue to showcase the sport and will without doubt create a fantastic atmosphere."
Rob Wiegman, the chief executive officer of the Luxor Theatre, was naturally equally upbeat: "In the Luxor Theatre we are used to offering our stage to top entertainment of the highest calibre. Never was our podium the place though where top athletes compete for a world title, which is why we are delighted and honoured to accommodate this event in the Luxor Theatre in Rotterdam."
The chairman of Victoria Squash, John de Paauw, added: "As one of the oldest squash clubs in the Netherlands we are very proud that our club has been chosen to play an integral part in the World Open Squash 2011. We are looking forward to welcoming the best players in the world to Rotterdam."
With over twenty months still to go before the start of the championship, Dutch aces Laurens Jan Anjema and Natalie Grinham are already looking forward to the World Open Squash 2011 in Rotterdam. For 31-year old Grinham, the world’s number two, it is even the most important reason to continue her squash career after giving birth to her first child later this year: "I want to have another crack at becoming World Champion, in particular now that the event is being played in my home country in this beautiful theatre," said the citizen of Almere who has finished runner-up four times at the World Open – most recently in Amsterdam last year.
Anjema, the 27-year old from The Hague currently ranked 13 on the PSA World Rankings, is also determined to perform well in 2011: "I am very excited that the World Open takes place in the Netherlands in 2011. By then I will be 28 years old and should be on the top of my game physically and mentally. It would be fantastic to excel in the Luxor Theatre in front of a home crowd."
At the press conference for the biggest and most prestigious squash championship in the world, Tournament Director Tommy Berden concluded: “With the Luxor Theatre we have found an equivalent of spectacular venues like Grand Central Station in New York or Canary Wharf in London. The Luxor Theatre has all the facilities and comfort that we need to provide the players and visitors with an incredible squash experience. A world class event like the World Open deserves a world class venue and the Luxor Theatre lives up to that billing," said the former Dutch champion.
Last year it was already announced that the Netherlands will play host for the first time to the combined World Open for men and women. The 10-day championship will feature a total prize fund in excess of US$400,000 - a record in squash.
More information about the World Open Squash 2011 can be found at the official website www.worldopensquash2011.com