Equal prize money is a major target as Hull hosts the British Open for three more years
By Squash Mad Reporter
The Allam British Open Squash Championships is set to return to Hull for a further three years after Dr. Assem Allam signed a deal to continue as title sponsor of the most prestigious tournament in squash.
The three-year agreement will keep the event named ‘a national treasure’ in Hull until 2017, the year the city will take the spotlight as the UK City of Culture.
The deal will also guarantee equal prize money for the women’s event by 2017. Dr. Allam, who has raised prize money for the women’s event year on year since 2012, promises to match the total women’s prize fund with the men’s.
The world’s most prestigious squash tournament, often called the ‘Wimbledon of squash’ will be held at Hull’s Airco Arena between 11-17 May 2015 and will attract the world’s best squash players including English stars three time world champion Nick Matthew and 2013 World Champion and 2013 British Open champion Laura Massaro.
Dr Assem Allam said: “I am very happy to support the Allam British Open for a further three years. This event is truly a ‘national treasure’ and it is fantastic that this three year deal will take us to 2017 when Hull will take the spotlight as the UK City of Culture.”
Keir Worth, Chief Executive of England Squash & Racketball said: “We’re thrilled that Dr. Allam is continuing his exceptional support for squash and the Allam British Open. Dr. Allam has been instrumental in ensuring that the British Open remains an iconic and successful tournament on the world stage.”
Martin Green, Chief Executive, Hull 2017 UK City of Culture said: “Hull City wants to support this event, it’s a great growth event for the city and it’s a unique event for the city. We are playing our part in the background and we want to make sure the city gives a warm welcome to all the visitors.”
Laura Massaro, 2013 Allam British Open champion said: “I’m always happy to come back to Hull. I had a great win here in 2013 and will be hoping to repeat that this year. I am also pleased that with Dr. Allam’s support this important tournament will achieve equal prize money for men and women by 2017, a step that will hopefully encourage tournaments across the world to do the same.”
Tickets start from just £10 and are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.co.uk
Pictured below (from left):
Jeremy Milnes – Commercial & Marketing Manager, Professional Squash Association
Councillor Stephen Parnaby OBE – Leader of the East Riding of Yorkshire
Keir Worth – Chief Executive, England Squash & Ranketball
Steve Forster – Springfield /Eon Visual Media
Laura Massaro – 2013 Allam British Open Champion
Ehab Allam – Allam House Ltd
Dr Assem Allam – Allam House Ltd
Martin Green – Chief Executive, Hull 2017 UK City of Culture
Rosie Millard – Chair, Hull 2017 UK City of Culture
Professor Glenn Burgess – University of Hull
