WORLD SQUASH NEWS

Brunei Boost For WISPA

In an exciting new arrangement with the Brunei Squash Rackets Association, a new Women's International Squash Players' Association (WISPA) Gold event will be held in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei, from 26-31 July.

Boasting a $43,500 prize fund, the championship will be televised internationally as part of the Qatar Airways WISPA Grand Prix TV international programming.

Following on from the Head Women's Malaysian Open, the championship will be staged at the Hassan Bolkiah National Stadium Squash Complex, and at the superbly-appointed Jerudong Park Country Club - which boasts TWO permanently-sited all-glass courts!

WISPA forged a link with Brunei when it hosted a leg of the WISPA Promotional Tour of South East Asia in 2002, which included visits to Thailand and Sarawak.

"When we arrived in Brunei two years ago, we found a most enthusiastic community who really enjoyed our introductory visit," said WISPA Executive Director Andrew Shelley.  "We have kept in touch ever since, and now it is a great boost for our Tour to have a championship there.  I know that the Brunei SRA will make sure that we have an excellent and hospitable event on their superb facilities."

Brunei SRA President Denis Roslee was equally upbeat about the impending event.  "The Brunei SRA have really wanted to bring the whole set of WISPA world class players to Brunei, and we are delighted that we are now able to do so.  We look forward to a great week of squash."

The Brunei announcement comes on the eve of the latest WISPA Promotional Tour to China.  The tour, visiting Shanghai and Beijing, begins on 1st June.