Queen of Spain Honours Madrid World Open Championship

The forthcoming Women's World Open in Madrid has received a Royal seal of approval in Spain.

Her Majesty The Queen Sofía has agreed to become the President of the Honour Committee of the sport's biggest ever women's event.

The 2007 Madrid Women's World Open will be staged adjacent to the Royal Palace (the Palacio Real) in the Spanish capital, from 23-27 October, following qualifying at the city's Pallestra Squash Club from 21-22 October.

Malaysia's Nicol David is hot favourite to win the title for a third successive year. The 24-year-old from Penang has dominated the sport for the past two years and this month celebrated her 18th month at the top of the world rankings.

Additional royal patronage of the 2007 Madrid World Open will be provided by IOC Member Tunku Imran, son of the former King of Malaysia. His Royal Highness Prince Imran will attend the event in his position as President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia and Patron of the World Squash Federation.

Other distinguished guests who are expected to attend include Juan Antonio Samaranch Jnr, son of the former IOC President, Juan Antonio Samaranch.

In addition to the 12 nations represented by the automatic entries into the main draw, players from a further nine countries will compete in the qualifying competition for the eight further places in the first round.