English Open Organisers Disappointed At Olympic Decision

Organisers of squash's Mamut English Open, which takes place at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield from 17-21 August, say they are disappointed that the sport didn't get voted onto the 2012 Olympic Games programme.

Squash had initially made the grade when more than 50% of the IOC members voted in favour, but its hopes were shattered when the IOC decided against replacing Baseball and Softball in the London Games programme.

For a sport to be recognised as an Olympic sport two thirds of the vote were needed. Squash gained 63 votes, seven short of the 70 required.

IOC members had voted softball and baseball off the 2012 programme, leaving room for two successors to be chosen from squash, rugby sevens, roller sports, karate and golf - sports which had been short-listed for consideration in an IOC announcement last September.

Tim Garner from tournament promoters Eventis Sports Marketing said: "This is a continuing process and, whilst there is widespread disappointment within the squash community around the world, we must work on all the positive aspects on what has been achieved over the past few years and continue to gain more support from IOC members in the future.

"We were so close, but I have no doubt that we will get into the Olympic Games in the near future, and that will continue to be the sport's main drive," added Garner.

In the meantime the world's top players are preparing to start the new season at the Crucible in the Sheffield City Council hosted tournament. Garner said that the draw is looking very competitive with record crowd numbers expected.

"We are close to finalising the main draw for the event, and it is looking like our most high profile one yet. Local lad Nick Matthew will get plenty of strong home support and there is always a good following for Pontefract's James Willstrop and Lee Beachill."

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.