African Open Cancelled

Promoters of the African Open, which was due to take place in Lagos from 12-15 August, have advised the Professional Squash Association that the event has been cancelled.

"This decision has been taken with much reluctance after lengthy consultation with stakeholders but has been informed by the fact that two of our major financial sponsors for the tournament have communicated to us that they will not be able to fulfil their sponsorship obligations due to the global economic realities facing them," said Chiekezi Dozie in communication with the PSA.

"We have done all we can to secure other sponsorship to host this event successfully. We do realise the very serious implications of cancellation this late in the day but we really do not seem to have a choice."

PSA Chief Executive Alex Gough told his members: "It is very unfortunate for all involved that this year's edition of the African Squash Open has had to be cancelled. The sport as a whole has been very buoyant in spite of the current global economic conditions, but there were always going to be unavoidable casualties.

"Cheikezi Dozie and Segun Maku have put in extraordinary efforts to raise the profile of this event and we really feel for them in having to make this decision. I am confident they will try everything in their power to reignite the event for next year and we will work closely with them to try to make this happen."

The 5-star event had attracted a strong field, led by Egypt's world number one Karim Darwish.