Liverpool 08 Open Launched At Aintree

A glittering addition to the PSA Tour was achieved today with the launch of a major new event in England.

The Liverpool 08 Open Squash Championship 2006, a PSA Super Series Silver event, is the biggest PSA event in Europe and one of the top six in the world.

The event was announced at a star-studded function at the world-famous Aintree Racecourse, home of the Grand National.

Liverpool is the European Capital of Culture for 2008 and the tournament is sponsored by the Liverpool Culture Company.

The Liverpool 08 Open Squash Championship 2006 is a key element of Liverpool Performs 2006, the fourth Capital of Culture themed year, which was unveiled today.

The event will be staged in a spectacular city-centre venue with the glass court housed in the dazzling St George's Hall, which is rated one of Europe's finest classical buildings.

Promoted by SquashUK, the Liverpool 08 Open Squash Championship 2006 will take place from May 1-7, with qualifying at Liverpool Cricket Club on the opening two days. With a 32-man draw, the first round action will be shared between the two venues on Wednesday May 3.

SquashUK founder Alan Thatcher said: "We are delighted to announce a major new squash tournament in such a fabulous venue in such a vibrant city as Liverpool.

"We know that the players and spectators will be knocked out by the sight of the glass court inside St George's Hall and the location could not be more convenient for attracting squash fans from all over the country and beyond.

"The venue is opposite the main entrance to Lime Street Station and surrounded by city centre hotels and restaurants. It is easily accessible by road and a short bus ride from Liverpool's John Lennon International Airport.

"We are grateful to Liverpool Culture Company for their phenomenal support in backing the tournament and we look forward to showcasing the world's leading players in such a wonderful venue."

PSA Chief Executive Gawain Briars added: "The PSA is truly delighted to welcome onto the world calendar the Liverpool 08 Squash Championship 2006, a landmark new Super Series Silver tournament and the largest to register this year in Europe.

"After many months of negotiations, Alan Thatcher is to be commended in delivering a major new world ranking event back into the UK and harnessing further the undoubted appetite for world class squash in the north west.

"We are indebted to the Liverpool Culture Company for their foresight and vision in incorporating professional squash as a key element of Liverpool Performs 2006, as this famous city with the generous assistance of the Liverpool Cricket Club strive to promote squash at the highest level.
"The PSA tour is, in 2006, already showing signs of outstripping 2005 and the arrival of this exciting new tournament adds enormous sparkle to the world calendar."