Orla Noom Wins Women's World Open Wildcard

Dutch player Orla Noom has been given the wildcard for the 2009 Forexx Women's World Open in Amsterdam in September. The 23-year-old from Hoofddorp claimed the highly-sought-after spot in the main draw of the most prestigious event on the Women's International Squash Players Association (WISPA) World Tour with her performances during the Forexx Pro Tour 2008-2009.

This circuit, consisting of 10 professional squash events for men and women on Dutch soil, was created nine months ago to provide the top Dutch players with an opportunity to earn valuable points to climb up the World Rankings, with the added bonus of competing for wildcards for the Forexx Women's World Open 2009 (women) and the Dutch Open 2009 (men).

Noom is currently ranked 44 in the world and is internationally seen as a bright prospect. Although several injures in the last eighteen months prevented her breakthrough to the highest echelon of the women's game, it did not stop her winning the Squash Hillegom Flowerbulb Open 2008, one of the six WISPA events included in the Forexx Pro Tour.

Throughout the season, the left-hander also reached the semi-finals of the 'MeerSquashHeroes' Open 2009 in her home town and the Forexx Eindhoven Open 2009, which were also part of the new Dutch pro circuit.

"I am absolutely delighted to have won the wildcard for the Forexx Women's World Open, it really comes at a great time," said the Dutch number four. "Not only do I get the chance to compete against the world's best players, but I am also ensured of valuable world ranking points.

"Knowing that I will compete in the biggest women's event ever in a few months time, gives me the chance to recover fully from my niggling injuries and focus on improving my physical ability. My whole summer preparation will be geared towards the Worlds and I can't wait to step on court in September in front of a home crowd."

The Forexx Women's World Open 2009 will take place later this year from September 20-27 in the renowned Frans Otten Stadion in Amsterdam. It will be the 25th staging of the world's most prestigious women's individual championship. It will also be the first time that the championship has been hosted by the Netherlands since 1989, when it was held in Warmond.

More information about the championship can be found on the official tournament website www.womensworldopen.com