Qatar to host 2014 World Championship

World Championship set to return to the scene of one of its most memorable climaxes
By MICHAEL CATLING – Squash Mad Reporter

The PSA have revealed that the 2014 edition of the Men’s World Championship will be held in Qatar from November 14 – 21.

The $275,000 event, which will take place at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, returns to Doha for the fourth time in 16 years after the squash fraternity descended on the Middle Eastern nation in 1998, 2004 and 2012.

The 2012 edition featured an epic final between Egyption duo Ramy Ashour and Mohamed Elshorbagy, with the former world number one prevailing in a memorable five game match (see below, right). 

The latest news also follows the recent announcement that the delayed 2013 Women’s World Championship will take place in Penang, Malaysia in two months time.

PSA CEO Alex Gough said: “We are delighted to be taking the 2014 World Championship back to Qatar, a country which has shown a true desire in recent years to be at the forefront of displaying world class squash.”

“The Qatar Squash Federation have been one of the sport’s strongest supporters since first hosting the World Championship in 1998 and they have a proven record of delivering top class events and we look forward to working with them over the coming months to prepare for the 2014 Championship.

“The 2013 World Championship in Manchester was a huge success for the sport and has set a standard that all other events are striving to emulate but I feel confident that Qatar will be up to the task of building on that legacy in 2014.”

Nabeel Ali Bin Ali, President of the Qatar Squash Federation, added: “World Class squash and Qatar have become synonymous with each other in recent years and we are pleased to be able to continue our long association with the World Championships in 2014.

“We look forward to working with the PSA and all players throughout the coming months to help us put on the best show possible and ensure that the 2014 World Squash Championship is one that delivers on all expectations.”

Entry to matches during the event in Qatar will be free-of-charge, with further information provided on the Qatar Squash Federation website and the PSA World Tour website later in the year. 

Source: PSA; Pictures by Steve Cubbins (SquashSite)