WORLD SQUASH NEWS

Jackman Seeded To Win First World Grand Prix Crown

England's world No1 Cassie Jackman is seeded to win the WISPA World Grand Prix Finals title for the first time when the event gets underway in Doha, Qatar, from 21-25 April.

This is the sixth year that Jackman has qualified for the annual event for the eight players who have gained the most points from the previous year's major WISPA events.

The 31-year-old from Norfolk heads Pool A, alongside compatriots Linda Charman and Tania Bailey, and Australia's fourth seed Natalie Grinham - who is making her debut in the event.

Natalie's older sister Rachael Grinham is the second seed and leads Pool B.  Her opponents in the 'round robin' stage, all seeking a place in the semi-final knockout stage, are English players Fiona Geaves and Rebecca Macree, plus Vanessa Atkinson, the third seed from the Netherlands who at the weekend successfully defended her Irish Open title in Dublin.  Macree, the world No9 from London, is also appearing in the event for the first time.

Tania Bailey is a late replacement for Natalie Grainger, the world No4 from the USA.  "I am very disappointed at not being able to make the Grand Prix Finals this year," said Grainger.  "I have been struggling with my health and fitness for the last year and in order for me to recover fully, and not tread on the same downward spiral, I need a longer break and will not be ready to compete.   I wish all the other competitors good luck and know that it will be an exciting event."

After pool matches until Friday, the top two in each pool will contest the semi-finals on Saturday, followed by the final on Sunday.

With two wins apiece by Michelle Martin, Sarah Fitz-Gerald and Carol Owens - now all retired - since the inaugural event in 1998, a new name is certain to be inscribed on the trophy after the 2004 final. 

The final predicted by the seedings will feature two former finalists:  Jackman was runner-up to New Zealander Carol Owens in 2000, while Rachael Grinham lost to Owens in the 2003 final.

Pool A:
[1] Cassie Jackman (ENG), [4] Natalie Grinham (AUS), [5] Linda Charman (ENG), [8] Tania Bailey (ENG)

Pool B:
[2] Rachael Grinham (AUS), [3] Vanessa Atkinson (NED), [6] Fiona Geaves (ENG), [7] Rebecca Macree (ENG)