Swedish Open Attracts Top Players To Linköping

After a two-year absence, the Swedish Open is back on the international squash calendar again as the University town of Linköping, in south Sweden, hosts one of the biggest PSA Tour events in Europe, from 8-11 February.

"The event boasts a $31,250 prize-fund, and the winner will also receive a watch worth around 5,000 US dollars," said tournament director Fredrik Johnson.

Australia's world champion David Palmer is top seed - and expected to meet second seed Karim Darwish, the world No8 from Egypt who won the title in 2004, in the final. Also in the draw is world No18 Olli Tuominen, from nearby Finland.

The Case Swedish Open will be played on a four-glass-walled court in the big arena in Linköping Sporthall.

"In the arena will also be a big exhibition area, a range of different food and drink places, a very nice VIP-lounge for the sponsors and players, and - of course - also a special kids area," added Johnson.

In conjunction with the men's event will be the Women's Zack Swedish Open, a WISPA World Tour event in which Denmark's Line Hansen is the favourite.

"This year the WISPA tournament is a lower grade, but the aim is to raise the prize money for the men's and women's tournaments next year," explained Johnson.

Linköping is the city where Fredrik Johnson was based during his years as a squash professional.

"Linköping right now really looks and sounds like the 'City of squash and Swedish Open'," explained the former Swedish international, now an active player on the Masters circuit.

"It's all over the city with a lot of coverage and adverting in different papers, radio commercials with David Palmer, TV-advertising and a lot of different marketing around the town. National Swedish TV will broadcast one hour from the tournament and one TV-channel will cover the semis and the finals live. Also PSA Live will be here to cover the tournament.

"Wimbledon champion Stefan Edberg, a big squash fan, will be here as well. We have invited Peter Nicol over too, and he has challenged Stefan to an exhibition match," explained Johnson.