PSA Celebrates Major Three-Year Kuwait Agreement

The Professional Squash Association is celebrating a major agreement with Sheikha Fadia Al-Sabah of Kuwait which will guarantee three PSA World Tour events in the Middle East country each year for the next three years, spearheaded by the Kuwait Open as part of the PSA Super Series.

An annual $10,000 1-star and $15,000 1½-star event will be complemented by the HH Sheikh Saad Abdullah Al-Sabah Trophy, The Patriarch Amir, Kuwait Open - which boasts a $172,500 prize-fund.

The Kuwait Open has been a leading annual event on the PSA Tour since first backed by Sheikha Fadia Al-Sabah in 2004 - and will continue to be a popular Middle East stop-off on the Tour's flagship PSA Super Series. The 2010 Kuwait Open takes place from 28 October to 2 November.

Under Sheikha Fadia's guidance, Kuwait hosted the 2009 Men's World Open - a star-studded championship which was staged at the Green island Resort and boasted a world record $277,500 prize-fund.

"We are delighted to have signed such an important three-year deal with Sheikha Fadia Al-Sabah," said PSA CEO Alex Gough. "She is determined to keep pushing the profile of the sport in Kuwait and indeed the world!

"The two smaller events are a fantastic boost to the up-and-coming players in Kuwait and the region - and will prove to be a useful stepping stone in the Kuwaiti players' development.

"Following on from a successful 2009 World Open, it is wonderful to see the Kuwait Open return for its sixth time," added Gough. "The PSA World Tour is going from strength to strength and Sheikha Fadia's long-term commitment for these nine events is proof of this."

Pakistan squash legend Jahangir Khan, the former World Squash Federation President who is an adviser to Sheikha Fadia Al-Sabah, added: "Sheikha Fadia is passionate about sport and has a great vision for Squash in Kuwait.

"This is a wonderful deal both for the PSA and its elite players from all around the world, as well for the growth of Squash in Kuwait," said the six-time World Open champion and record 10 times winner of the British Open title.