English Open Expands To Include Women's Event

This summer's Mamut English Open, hosted by Sheffield City Council, will be expanded to include a women's event, promoters Eventis Sports Marketing announced today.

Now in its third year, the $45,000 Mamut English Open is a four star international squash event which will attract the world's top players to the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, Yorkshire - the renowned home of the World Snooker Championships - from 17-21 August. The 2004 title was won by world No2 Lee Beachill, who beat fellow England international Simon Parke in an all-Yorkshire final.

The Eventis Women's English Open will become the opening event of the 2005/06 BSPA season and will increase the Head Grand Prix series to six women's events.

"It has always been our plan to incorporate a women's event into the programme at The Crucible and having a BSPA event on the Head Grand Prix starts that process," said Eventis Director Tim Garner. "This year the Eventis Women's English Open will be an eight-player draw, due to the time constraints, but we see it as a stepping stone to a bigger draw and ultimately a full WISPA World Tour event.

"Last year, Jenny Duncalf and Vicky Botwright played out a highly entertaining exhibition match prior to the final of the Mamut English Open and this year we are pleased that we already have a high quality field line-up including local girl Jenny Tranfield, England star Vicky Botwright and Scottish number one Pamela Nimmo," Garner added.

The inaugural Eventis English Open is another first by Eventis, who unveiled the first ever English Open in 2003, then introduced the first English Junior Open in 2004.

Tickets are now available from The Crucible box office on 0114-249 6000 and online at www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/buyit