Monday 27th July 2009
Women's squash returns to Lion City
The CIMB Singapore Women’s Squash Masters returns for a third year featuring the cream of the professional women’s players.
Nine of the World's Top 10 are signed up for the tournament at the Kallang Squash Courts to be held from 3-8 August 2009.
World No. 1 Nicol David is set to dazzle as she goes for a hat-trick of wins.
"The CIMB Singapore Masters is one of my favourite tournaments," said the Malaysian. "The fans have never failed to make me feel at home and that always lends me the advantage as I face up to the stiff opposition that shows up at this first-class tournament."
"I look forward to returning to Singapore for the CIMB Masters in this very important year for squash as we make a concerted bid to place Squash in the 2016 Olympics."
Andrew Shelley, Chief Executive of the Women's International Squash Player's Association (WISPA) echoes David's thoughts.
"Two years ago, we were delighted with the return of top-notch squash to Singapore with the CIMB Singapore Masters. We have now been able to build upon this by welcoming back the New Zealand Open after 16 years."
"The Asia-Pacific swing, which takes in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and this year Tauranga in New Zealand, will surely become a real focal point of the WISPA calendar as we continue to grow our sport."
"This year, we will also be holding our WISPA Annual General Meeting in Singapore, as we look forward to the outcome of our bid to enter Squash into the Olympic Games for 2016. And the continual success of the CIMB Singapore Masters is as crucial to the global growth of squash, as much as it is important for Singapore squash."
The Grinham sisters, Rachael and Natalie, who are ranked 3rd and 4th in the world, will be back to deny David from a ‘three-peat', and as always, the strong British representation of Jenny Duncalf, Alison Waters, Laura Lengthorn Massaro and Madeline Perry from Ireland, make this one of the most star-studded squash events in the region.
Singapore Squash Rackets Association President Desmond Hill welcomes the continued support of the title sponsor.
"For an event like ours to take off, we cannot do without the strong support of our sponsors. And CIMB Bank has proven its commitment to squash not only in its home country Malaysia, but also in the region with its sponsorship of the Singapore Women's Masters for a 3rd year running."
"Our tournament has also been a window into the future as we welcome the emerging youngsters in Kasey Brown of Australia, Mexico's Samantha Teran and Raneem el-Weleily of Egypt. We also welcome the delegates to WISPA staging its AGM here in Singapore for the first time, which gives us a shot in the arm that Singapore squash is heading the right direction," added Mr Hill.
Carol Fong, CEO of CIMB-GK Securities and spokesperson for title sponsor CIMB Bank commented, "CIMB is delighted to work with the Singapore Squash Rackets Association once again in bringing forth this international sporting event. The calibre of players for this tournament has always been consistently superb, leading to the continued popularity of squash in Singapore. To the participants of the 2009 Masters, we wish them all a great game and the best of luck."
Singapore will be represented by top local player Pamela Chua in the Main Draw, while Mao Shi Hui, Koh Kar Yan and Jerryca Teo are entered in the Qualifying Rounds.
The US$53,500 tournament carries a WISPA Gold Tier rating and admission to the event is free.
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