WORLD SQUASH NEWS
WISPA Grand Prix Kicks Off In Dallas
The first Women's International Squash Players' Association Grand Prix event
of the year will take place in the USA this week, featuring the maiden
appearance at a dedicated women's event of WISPA's all-glass squash court.
The $45,000 Texas Open will be staged in the atrium of the Plaza of the
Americas in Dallas from 27-30 March.
Heading the all-star field will be defending champion Carol Owens, the world
No1 from New Zealand who is seeded to face the USA's world No2 Natalie Pohrer
in Sunday's final. This weekend's Las Vegas Open winner Cassie Jackman is
the event's 7th seed and meets English compatriot Jenny Tranfield in the
opening round.
Also being unveiled by event promoters, the Dallas Squash Racquets
Association (DSRA), is the online Newsroom. Located at
www.dallassquash.org/wispa, the Newsroom will feature all of the latest
information about the tournament, including daily competition results.
Information and results will also be sent via email to subscribers.
"We are very excited about this new communications tool," said Susan
Morrison, President of DSRA. "The Newsroom provides us with an immediate,
easy, cost-efficient way to talk to our members, sports enthusiasts and the
media about the Texas Open 2003. Squash may still be unfamiliar to many
folks in this part of the world, but we aim to change that.
"We are using WISPA's new portable, all-glass showcourt in a stunning setting
to bring great squash to the general public. The WISPA women are tremendous
athletes - powerful, talented, and attractive. They are the perfect
ambassadors to raise the game's profile here. The Newsroom will help us
assure that no current or potential squash fans miss any of the action or
fun."
WISPA Director Andrew Shelley added: "Our rationale for the court was to
help upgrade events onto glass and so bring them to a wider audience. The
Texas Open is a really exciting initial fulfilment of our intent."
1st round draw:
[1] Carol Owens (NZL) v Fiona Geaves (ENG)
[8] Rebecca Macree (ENG) v Qualifier
[4] Rachael Grinham (AUS) v Qualifier
[6] Tania Bailey (ENG) v Natalie Grinham (AUS)
[5] Vanessa Atkinson (NED) v Stephanie Brind (ENG)
[3] Linda Charman (ENG) v Qualifier
[7] Cassie Jackman (ENG) v Jenny Tranfield (ENG)
[2] Natalie Pohrer (USA) v Qualifier