PSA & Squash Design Launch Tour In USA

A tour across the USA, initially comprising seven Professional Squash Association World Tour events, has been launched by Squash Design.

The Squash Design Tour, which is made up of PSA sanctioned events, will showcase the talent of the up-and-coming players in the fast-growing global game of Squash.

"We are hoping to increase awareness of Squash by bringing more events across the United States," said Sahel Anwar, partner in Squash Design and Premier Performance Squash. "It is our hope to organise this tour annually - bringing the sport to even more cities."

In addition to players earning PSA World Ranking points and prize money, there will be a separate points standing for the Squash Design Tour which will allow the players to earn additional prize money based on their points standing.

Gus Cook, PSA Representative for the Americas, added: "The communities are excited to see international level events being played in their home clubs. The players, particularly the new rising stars, are happy to have a tour support their efforts, and showcase their talent. This is obviously good for squash.

"Having the events linked together on a timeline, and not being too far apart in location, should make it much easier financially for the players travelling from further away. The new tour could grow to include a number of additional new smaller size events in 2010 that will provide great opportunities for the up-and-coming US players along with many others too."

Slated stops currently include tournaments in the following cities:

Madison Open Madison, WI Oct 20-25
Goshen Open Goshen, IN Oct 25-31
Pittsburgh Open Pittsburgh, PA Nov 04-08
Baltimore Cup Baltimore, MD Nov 10-15
Rhode Island Open Newport, RI Nov 18-22
Fairmount Open Philadelphia, PA Dec 02-06
Betty Griffin Memorial Florida State Open Boca Raton, FL Dec 08-13

Leading US touring pro Gilly Lane also added his enthusiasm for the new initiative: "I am very excited for the upcoming Squash Design Tour. This series of events is great not only for the players but for the growth of Squash in the US.

"With new tournaments in Wisconsin and Pittsburgh, Squash is expanding to areas all across the country. These tournaments will draw some of the world's best players and provide a great showcase for our sport in America. I am looking forward to competing in these events and hope that it is a stepping stone for future US tours."