Madrid Mayor Welcomes Women's World Open To Unique Royal Setting

At a special reception to celebrate the staging of the Women's World Open adjacent to the Palacio Real in the Spanish capital Madrid, the city's Mayor, Alberto Ruiz-Gallardon, addressed a distinguished group of guests, proposing that "this combination of sport and beautiful scenery will amaze both the spectators and the players".

Guests included His Royal Highness Prince Imran, President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia and Patron of the World Squash Federation (WSF); Jahangir Khan, President of the WSF; Susie Simcock, Emeritus President of the WSF; Manuel Cobo, Deputy Mayor of Madrid; Mercedes Coghen, CEO of Madrid 16; Rogelio Chantada, President of the Spanish Squash Federation; and Malaysia's world number one Nicol David.

After two rounds at the city's Club Palestra, action has switched to an open-air all-glass court at the Jardines del Cabo Noval, adjacent to the Palacio Real. The 2007 World Open Championship is the first sports event ever to be held alongside Madrid's historic Royal Palace.

"This is a unique location in the City of Madrid because it is surrounded by the Royal Palace and the Royal Theatre, as well as amazing views over the Sabatini Gardens, the "Campo del Moro" Gardens, the Manzanares River and the Casa de Campo Park," said Mayor Ruiz-Gallardon.

"The fact that Madrid is hosting this event proves that all Spanish institutions support every sport event that is held in our city. Especially, I want to thank the backing of HRH Queen Sofia of Spain, who is the President of the Honour Committee of the tournament.

"The success of this important championship, as well as the other sport events that have been held recently in our city - including the Tennis Master Series and the European Basketball Championships - represent the best possible promotion for the Madrid 16 Olympic bid.

"Madrid has a well-proven experience in the organisation of sport competitions and it projects the image of a city committed to sport," concluded the Mayor.

Jahangir Khan, a former six times winner of the men's World Open title, presented a special plaque to the Mayor in appreciation of the city's generous sponsorship of the 2007 Women's World Open Championship.