London Plays Host To The Biggest Squash Tournament Of The Year

Play gets underway today at the ATCO PSA World Series Finals – a week long tournament that will see the crème de la crème of international squash battle it out for the richest prize ever offered in squash in the UK and Europe.

Following a major financial investment, the event will showcase a re-invigorated, more youthful face of squash in a move to encourage a new generation of players and put squash back on the sporting map.

2,500-strong crowds are expected to visit London’s home of racquet sports to experience live music and entertainment including performances from ZooNation, special guest appearances from some of the nation’s leading sports presenters, as well as legendary squash players Jonah Barrington and Hiddy Jahan Khan. 

They will also see the world’s best battle it out on state-of-the-art courts specifically built for the showpiece event, which will feature exciting audio and visual cues such as courtside interactive live twitter feeds.

Among those playing for the crown of World Super Series Champion 2010-11 is Englishman and world no.1 Nick Matthew, who will go up against his fellow countrymen James Willstrop (world no. 3) and Peter Barker (world no. 7) as well as Ramy Ashour, Karim Darwish, Amr Shabana, Thierry Lincou and Wael el Hindi for the coveted top prize.

Fresh off the back of a phenomenal double gold medal win at the Commonwealth Games in Dehli, Nick Matthew said:  “This event is the culmination of a grueling yearlong tour, so I am thrilled it will not just provide players, but also fans, with an exciting experience. 

"What better way to compete for the championship title than on a state of the art court, right here on home soil.”

In another coup for the sport, the BBC’s Jake Humphrey and Chris Hollins, as well as Sky Sports News personality Vicky Gomersall, are confirmed to present the ATCO PSA World Series Finals.

Alex Gough, Professional Squash Association CEO, said:  “The ATCO World Series Squash Finals is set to showcase world-class sportsmanship and first-rate sports entertainment that will set the standard for a new era of squash.  

"Having three of the nation’s leading sports presenters on board to present really caps off what has been a huge year for the sport of squash.” 

The man behind the significant investment in the event is Saudi businessman, Ziad Al-Turki, who was last year linked with the purchasing of Manchester City. 

A fanatical squash fan and player for many years, Al-Turki pledged his financial and personal commitment to the sport in a bid to broaden its appeal to a wider audience in order to encourage a new generation of players and to increase its appeal as an exciting spectator sport.

Al-Turki commented: “Squash for me is a sport which is incredibly fast paced, exciting and a test of both physical and mental strength. I believe that given the right investment and support, squash can become one of the most exhilarating and loved sports.

"I am investing my time and money into something I am passionate about and with the finals in January this will herald the start of a new era for the sport and will definitely help to put it back on to the sporting map”.

The ATCO PSA World Series Finals will take place from January 11 – 15 at The Queen’s Club in London. 

The specially built ‘Z-Court’ will contain the very latest in sports technology, including redesigned front wall panels, new colour, lighting and flooring, as well as an all glass court with glass supports, enabling uninterrupted 360 views of the action.