Perry Forced To Withdraw From Madrid World Open

An off-court injury sustained by Madeline Perry has caused the eighth seed from Ireland to withdraw from next week's Women's World Open in Madrid.

"I am devastated, not only to miss the World Open but the three largest tournaments of the year including the Qatar Classic and Hong Kong Open," said the world No8, who suffered a head injury following a fall two weeks ago in Milan, where she had been training.

"I hope to back on the World Tour again before Christmas," added the 30-year-old from Banbridge, near Belfast, in Northern Ireland.

Perry, who would have competed in her eighth successive World Open since 2000, was the centre of attraction at the 2006 World Open, staged in her home city Belfast last November.

The withdrawal has necessitated an amendment to the draw for the sport's biggest ever women's event, which will be staged adjacent to the Royal Palace (the Palacio Real) in the Spanish capital, from 23-27 October. The 32-draw qualifying championship will be staged at the city's Pallestra Squash Club from 21-22 October.

Former world champion Vanessa Atkinson takes Perry's place as the No8 seed, while fellow Dutch player Annelize Naude is promoted to 16th seed. Latasha Khan, the seven-time US champion who originally headed the qualification draw, now has a place in the main draw.