Hong Kong Celebrates 2005 Cathay Pacific Credit Suisse Privilege World Open

Hong Kong Squash announced today the title sponsorships of Cathay Pacific Airways Limited and Credit Suisse Privilege Limited of the World Open Squash Championships, the most prestigious event in the calendar of first-class men and women professionals.

The 2005 Cathay Pacific Credit Suisse Privilege World Open is the first ever to combine the Women's World Open and the Men's World Open championships into a single event. Organised by Hong Kong Squash, it will be held from 27th November to 4th December 2005 at the Hong Kong Squash Centre, with the semi-finals and finals to be held at the Cultural Centre Piazza, where Victoria Harbour will provide a spectacular backdrop against the clear-view Perspex court.

Sanctioned by the World Squash Federation (WSF), the Women's International Squash Players' Association (WISPA) and the Professional Squash Association (PSA), this World Open will be highly popular with both local and international squash supporters. It is also expected to receive top billing in the World Squash, International and Asian sports calendars, which help enhance Hong Kong's image as Asia's sports events capital. The significance of this international event is also recognised by the HKSAR Government, which has designated it as an "M" mark event (Major Sports Events).

The annual World Open Championships for women and men are the sport's most prestigious events. Competitors will vie for HK$1.6 million in prize money and Hong Kong Squash is confident that, barring injuries or illnesses, all players ranked within the world's Top 30 will take part in this special edition. The simultaneous staging of BOTH World Championships is expected to attract a large contingent of players, coaches, families, friends and international media to Hong Kong, from countries within and beyond the Asia Pacific region.

David Mui, Chairman of Hong Kong Squash, said: "Special thanks to Cathay Pacific Airways and Credit Suisse Privilege who have enthusiastically worked together with us over many years, their support has contributed greatly to our success. I would also like to thank our co-sponsors: Crocodile, Fujifilm, Prince, Perrier, TVB, Commercial Radio and Renaissance Harbour View Hotel.

"We are confident that we will attract all the world top players, including our own Rebecca Chiu and Wong Wai Hang, who both will, I am sure, have the full support of the home crowd," added Mui.

Charlie Stewart-Cox, General Manager, Marketing, of Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. said: "Cathay Pacific has been sponsoring the Squash Open for the past 19 years. This year we are very glad to be co-sponsoring with Credit Suisse Privilege to bring the first and ever World Squash Open to Hong Kong. As the home carrier of Hong Kong, we are very keen to bring in world-class sports events for both local spectators and as an attraction for overseas visitors.