England squash split prize pot down middle at National Championship
By LEE HORTON – Squash Mad Chief Reporter
England Squash & Racketball will split a £22,800 prize pot equally between men and women at next week’s National Squash Championship.
The national governing body want to drive women’s squash forwards and Jim Lord, Operation’s Director at ESR said today: “We are determined to play our part in raising the profile of the women’s Tour, and if at all possible contribute to a longer term commercial strategy that will influence increases to women’s prize money.”
The move follows that of the US Open squash tournament in Philadelphia, after organisers increased the women’s prize money to match the men’s draw.
The National Squash Championship, run in partnership with Manchester City Council, take place in Manchester next week and see Britain’s best squash players battle it out for the National title.
World number one and triple World Champion Nick Matthew is gunning for his fifth title in six years at the National Squash Centre, while reigning British Open champion Laura Massaro will be looking to reclaim her 2012 title after losing in a dramatic final against Alison Waters last year.
“@NationalsSquash: Equal Prize Money for female stars at the Nationals!! – Such great news. I hope a few certain ppl are reading this!
— Dipika Pallikal (@DipikaPallikal) February 6, 2014