World Series Finals set for US debut as Power races to the rescue
By ALAN THATCHER – Squash Mad Editor
SQUASH legend Jonathon Power has rescued the 2013 World Series Finals, Squash Mad can reveal.
His company Power Courts has stepped in to sponsor the event, which will now be heading to the USA for the first time, with the PSA announcing tournament dates of March 15-19 at the Westwood Club in Richmond, Virginia.
Richmond has been home to the North American Open for the past five years but the event has reverted to the control of US Squash.
The World Series Finals were scheduled to be held at Queen’s Club in London in January for a fourth year in a row. However, main sponsor Ziad Al Turki withdrew his backing a month ago.
Now the the PSA say they are delighted to take the event ‘on the road’ to help increase global awareness of the PSA World Series and PSA World Tour.
“Taking the pinnacle event in the World Series there is just reward for the unwavering dedication to squash that has been so evident in that area and is an example to all other tournaments of what can be achieved.”
There is no mention of the WSA Finals joining their male counterparts, as has happened for the past two years.
Sponsored by Power Courts, the 2013 World Series Finals will be the first ever held on American soil with Richmond extending their already long-standing association with world class squash, having staged the North American Open for the past five years.
“The World Series Finals have enjoyed a superb few years at London’s Queens Club but we felt that a change in schedule for this event was necessary,” said PSA Chief Executive Alex Gough.
“The Finals have taken place in the UK since the mid-1990s but with PSA World Tour events taking place in all corners of the globe, we want to maximise on the international reach of squash.
“Richmond has a well-established reputation on the World Series circuit as one of the best-run events, having grown from Challenger level into one of the biggest events on the circuit in recent years.
“Taking the pinnacle event in the World Series there is just reward for the unwavering dedication to squash that has been so evident in that area and is an example to all other tournaments of what can be achieved.”
With the iconic Tournament of Champions returning to New York in January and Chicago’s Windy City Open joining the World Series line-up in February, the World Series Finals will add a further North American feel to the 2014 calendar.
The top eight players in the world will be hosted at the luxurious Mobil 5 Star and AAA 5 Diamond rated Jefferson Hotel before going head-to-head at Richmond’s Westwood Club for the right to be crowned World Series Champion.
“Following on from the successful 2013 NAO, Pro Squash Promotions are thrilled the PSA WSF’s will be held here in Richmond from March 15-19,” said Gus Cook and Dave Maraghy, 2013 World Series Finals organisers.
“It is great to see the past nine months of preparation and continued support culminating in the opportunity to host this most prestigious event featuring only the very best of the best.”
Canadian squash legend Jonathan Power, founder of 2013 World Series Finals title sponsor Power Courts, said;
“I’m very excited to be in the position to sponsor and give back to the sport that has given me so much.
“Since my retirement I’ve looked to grow the game in many ways. Power Courts is a natural extension of that, one of quality that I’m very proud of.”
Pictures by Dan Bogosh and Steve Cubbins (SquashSite)
