Seoul Search For Breakthrough Event Leads To WISPA Gold Open In Plaza

The striking spectacle of an all-glass squash court set in Seoul Plaza in the centre of South Korea's capital city is the focus of the first Women's Seoul Open - and the fifth Women's International Squash Players' Association (WISPA) Gold event of the year - which has attracted the world's top players.

"The setting is providing a great visual boost for the sport in Korea as a result of the TV, newspapers and posters across the city," says WISPA Chief Executive Andrew Shelley from Seoul. "The campaign by the Seoul Squash Federation is clearly hitting the target."

The ASB all-glass court, erected in front of the City Hall in the famous Seoul Plaza, is being used for all rounds of the event which gets underway on Wednesday, organised by the Seoul Squash Federation in conjunction with the Koran Squash Federation.

The seedings project yet another instalment of the Nicol David versus Natalie Grinham final battles. David, the world number one from Malaysia, and Grinham, the world number two from Australia, have met in the last four finals in which David has appeared - all of which have been won by the 23-year-old from Penang, who is unbeaten since March last year.

Indeed, if David can win her opening two rounds, she will have reached a sensational fifty consecutive international match wins since losing in the bronze medal play-off in the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

Meanwhile, former world number one Rachael Grinham will be hoping to challenge again after reaching the semi-finals of the Qatar Classic last week - as will England's Tania Bailey, who currently stands at a career-high ranking of four.

29-year-old Eun Ok Park is the host's choice for the main draw wild card, and talented Eun Chan Ahn headed a trio of home players in the qualifying tournament.

The event comes close on the heels of an announcement that Incheon, Seoul's airport neighbour, will host the 2014 Asian Games, featuring squash. And with the glass court set on a major landmark, the Seoul Metropolitan Government - together with supporting sponsors including Samsung, SK Telecom, Korea Tourism, BBQChicken, Financial News, Head, Gatorade, Camko Bank and Sejong University - have ensured the best possible showcase for the sport in South Korea.