Pros on the University glass court; Masters events at Nottingham SC
By DONNA HELMER – Squash Mad Correspondent
Nottingham has won the right to host the 2019 Dunlop British National Squash Championships – the first time the city has staged the prestigious squash tournament in its 45-year history.
The flagship event, hosted by England Squash, has been staged in Manchester since 1997 and will move to the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Squash Rackets Club from February 12-17, 2019.
More than 400 of Britain’s finest will compete across 19 categories from the men’s and women’s main draw up to and including the Men’s Over 80s. Amongst them will be Commonwealth Games gold medallist James Willstrop, defending women’s champion Tesni Evans and former world No.1 Laura Massaro.
Keir Worth, CEO at England Squash said: “After 20 years of staging the British Nationals in Manchester in which time the event has grown and reached new audiences, we are excited to begin a new chapter in Nottingham.
“The University of Nottingham and Nottingham Squash Rackets Club have a proven track record in delivering major squash events, and the all-glass show court at the university will provide a superb setting for the finals. We look forward to working closely with our partners to deliver a successful event.”
Christine Bailey, Assistant Director of Sport at the University of Nottingham said: “We are delighted Nottingham will be host to the British National Championships in 2019.
“The David Ross Sports Village has quickly become a central location for elite and world-class squash in the UK and our purpose built all-glass squash arena provides the perfect environment for players and spectators to enjoy live action.
“We are grateful for the continued support of England Squash and hope that fans will enjoy the array of talent on show when the Championships come to Nottingham.”
Nick Hargreaves, General Manager at Nottingham Squash Rackets Club said: “We are extremely proud and honoured to have been chosen to host the British National Championships 2019 here in Nottingham.
“Being a squash player myself I understand the history behind the event and how much it means to all of the British players and supporters. Nottingham has some of the best squash facilities in England.”
Jonathan Gliddon, Chairman of the England Squash Masters said: “England Squash Masters are excited at the prospect of the 2019 British Nationals being held at a fresh new venue after being in Manchester for many years.
“Nottingham Squash Rackets Club is synonymous with many successful events over the years with excellent facilities, and, with 10 courts, will handle the required capacity for all the Masters events.
“The Masters events will have the chance to share the Nottingham Squash Rackets Club venue with some of the professional matches being played, so will make excellent viewing and is a short distance from the new facility at the University of Nottingham.
“England Squash Masters are very pleased to be delivering the Masters event alongside and with the support of England Squash.”
The main draw qualification rounds and half of the men’s first round matches will be staged at Nottingham Squash Rackets Club before moving over to the all-glass show court at the University of Nottingham. Nottingham Squash Rackets Club will host the entirety of the Masters event.
Article by DONNA MASTERS (England Squash Content and Communications Manager)./ Edited by ALAN THATCHER
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