MATTHEW DEFENDS TITLE AS WORLD’S LEADING SQUASH
STARS RETURN TO ISS CANARY WHARF CLASSIC IN 2011
Tickets are now on sale for the 2011 ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic as world No.2 Nick Matthew plans to defend his title fresh from striking gold at the Commonwealth Games.
The eighth edition of the ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic, a PSA Five-Star world-ranking tournament, takes place from March 21-25 and co-promoter Peter Nicol is looking forward to another sell-out.
Nicol, who held the world No.1 slot for more than five years, was delighted to see Matthew win the Commonwealth Games gold medal in Delhi in an all-English final against James Willstrop, a three-times champion at Canary Wharf.
Matthew’s triumph followed Nicol’s Commonwealth Games wins over Australia’s David Palmer in Melbourne four years ago and Canadian Jonathon Power in Malaysia in 1998.
Nicol said: “The competition for the No.1 position between Nick Matthew and Ramy Ashour of Egypt is producing an electrifying era for squash.
“Ramy is one of the most gifted players in the history of the game but Nick produced the most consistent squash of his career to claim the No.1 position for several months earlier this year.
“He thoroughly deserved his gold medal in Delhi and was clearly the best player in the competition. He plays fast, aggressive, attacking squash and not many players can get close to him at the moment.”
Matthew’s triumph over Frenchman Gregory Gaultier in the final at Canary Wharf in March this year helped him to reach the No.1 slot for the first time in his career but his marathon semi-final win over Willstrop was the outstanding match of the tournament.
Nicol added: “Those two played themselves to an absolute standstill in a match of incredible quality lasting two hours and ten minutes.
“Nick needed two hours of treatment from the physiotherapist to get ready for the final the next day and it showed just how fit and strong he is to get back on court less than 24 hours later and dominate the final against Gaultier.”
Nicol is urging squash lovers to book their tickets early to avoid disappointment. He added: “With squash of that quality, it was no surprise that this year’s Canary Wharf tournament broke all records by selling out every ticket on every day of the competition.
“The crowds at Canary Wharf are probably the most knowledgeable and vocal anywhere in squash and they obviously love cheering on their home-based heroes.
“We are very proud of the fact that we are able to stage the event at the East Wintergarden at Canary Wharf and over the years it has become one of the most popular venues on the world tour for players and spectators alike.
“We have wonderfully loyal and supportive Title Sponsors in ISS Facility Services and we are enormously grateful to them and our Host Sponsors Canary Wharf Group plc for making it possible to showcase top professional squash in such a spectacular fashion.”
2010logoTickets for the 2011 ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic are on sale via Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.uk) and the Ticket Hotline is 0844 847 2419.
Full details are on the tournament website: canarywharfsquash.com
TOURNAMENT DETAILS
Tournament Title Sponsor: ISS Facility Services, London Division
Host Sponsor: Canary Wharf Group plc
The ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic at the East Wintergarden is jointly promoted by Eventis Sports Marketing and SquashUK.
Tournament Dates:
Qualifying: March 19-20 at Wimbledon Rackets and Fitness Club
Main draw: March 21-25, 2011
Venue: East Wintergarden, Bank Street, Canary Wharf, E14
Corporate Hospitality: Superb packages are available, enabling spectators to wine, dine and watch all the gripping squash action from the Gallery restaurant within the East Wintergarden.
Full details from Tim Garner at Eventis Sports Marketing
Telephone: 07973 817468. Email: [email protected]
Media information from Alan Thatcher
Text or telephone: 07971 639829. Email: [email protected]