Bermuda Launches 2006 Virtual Spectator PSA Masters

Bermuda will once again be the focus of attention for squash fans around the world in April when the tiny sub-tropical Island in the middle of the Atlantic holds the Virtual Spectator Bermuda PSA Masters 2006, presented by Logic, hosted by Endurance. This is the second phase of the biggest contract in the history of squash which saw Bermuda hosting the PSA Masters in 2005, followed by this event in 2006, and culminating with the PSA World Open in 2007.

The world's greatest squash players will assemble on the Island from 2-8 April for the Virtual Spectator Bermuda Masters 2006, being held at the Jessie Vesey Sports Centre in Hamilton which has proved an ideal venue for major squash tournaments. This prestigious tournament brings together all of the world's top 31 ranked players (as of 1st January), along with local "wildcard" qualifier Nick Kyme, the world No71 and the top ranked PSA player from Bermuda, to compete for a total of $120,000 in prize money. It will include players from 12 countries spanning five continents, with every player determined to make a major impact.

Director of Squash Ross Triffitt says: "We were delighted with the tremendous success of the 2005 event and are looking forward to fine-tuning the tournament in 2006. The major change in this year's format is that we have split the second round and added an extra day to the schedule to allow for more matches on the glass court."

Bermuda will receive excellent exposure, with the tournament being broadcast to a potential viewing audience of 625 million people worldwide, plus live streaming over the internet. "Our success is due in large part to having first class volunteers working hard behind the scenes, and to our very supportive sponsors without whom we would simply not be able to put on an event of this magnitude," added Triffitt.

"We are delighted to have Virtual Spectator as our title sponsor for the second year. Their superb technology is providing a new dimension to our sport and greatly enhances the event."

Gawain Briars, Chief Executive of the Professional Squash Association (PSA), gave high praise to the Bermuda organisers and for the tremendous support of the sponsors. "PSA salutes all parties involved as well as, and most importantly, the continuing title sponsors Virtual Spectator, presenting sponsors Logic and host sponsors Endurance," said Briars.

"I also want to thank, in addition, ACE, Bank of Bermuda, Bermuda Cablevision, the Bermuda Department of Tourism, Fairmont Resorts and Hotels Bermuda, RenaissanceRe and Xerox as primary sponsors to the event, with supporting sponsorship from Aardvark Communications, Air Care, Bacardi, Capital-G, the Bermuda Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation, Digicel, and Miles Market. Sponsorship is the oxygen of professional sport and PSA recognises the invaluable contribution of all the above named parties in making this prestigious tournament such a continuing success on the world circuit."

When asked about the quality of players competing in Bermuda, Briars added: "The pack is shuffling again as top spots in the Dunlop PSA World Rankings change hands. Never has there been a more exciting period in the competitive game with a full group of serious contenders hungry and capable of lifting the title. So I am sure everyone will enjoy and savour again the dynamic skills of the best 32 squash professionals in the world as they fight it out for the honour of lifting the title Virtual Spectator Bermuda Masters 2006."

Triffitt gave an assurance that Bermuda is well prepared to host the second leg of the agreement with PSA: "We are all set for April with our new website having been launched at www.bermudamasters.com Last year we had tremendous spectator support and we look forward to again having this world class event watched by packed audiences. One thing for sure, we can guarantee a truly amazing sports spectacle featuring a group of the fittest athletes in any sport, along with a warm welcome for our overseas visitors."

Tickets will be available from 1st March at www.boxoffice.bm

In addition to the main tournament, Bermuda is also organising a series of additional events to attract overseas visitors. These include:-

• 6-8 April: The Bermuda Open Graded Championship 2006 - a USSRA-sanctioned tournament catering to players of all standards, and designed to provide overseas visitors with a unique opportunity to play squash while also watching the world's best in action.
• 31 March - 2 April: The Bank of Bermuda Foundation Junior Open 2006 - a USSRA-sanctioned junior tournament providing juniors from around the world an opportunity to play while enjoying the atmosphere of a major PSA tournament.
• Coaching clinics, rules clinics, golf day with the players, and a host of Bermuda's famous social functions.