English Open Returns To Sheffield With Mamut

The English Open returns to Sheffield for the fifth year in December - with Mamut Software also extending its title sponsorship of the sqaush championship into a fourth year.

The Mamut English Open hosted by Sheffield City Council is organised and promoted by Eventis Sports Marketing Ltd, the company led by the sport's four-times Commonwealth Games gold medallist Peter Nicol. The event has attracted the world's leading players since its launch at the Crucible Theatre in 2004.

But, due to the famous theatre's refurbishment programme, the 2007 championships will take place at the city's English Institute of Sport, from 15-18 December.

The five-star PSA Tour event, boasting a prize fund of more than $55,000, will again attract the world's elite - led, no doubt, by Sheffield's own Nick Matthew, the world No8 who reached the 2005 final and last year became the first Englishman for 67 years to win the British Open crown.

Squash legend Peter Nicol says the move from the Crucible to the EISS, where Matthew trains, is an exciting development for the tournament.

"We've had a tremendous four years at the Crucible where the English Open has grown into a permanent fixture on the tour. We always knew that because of the refurbishment there we would have to find a new venue in 2007.

"Our main priority, because of all the support we have had from the city, was staying in Sheffield and we are delighted to be at the EISS this year, which is probably the top indoor sporting venue in the UK," explained Nicol. "All the players have heard about the EISS's facilities from Nick - and now can't wait for December to come round."

Further details re ticket availability will be announced soon.