Professional Squash Association agrees World Tour deals in Australia and New Zealand

Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour events in Australia and New Zealand in 2015 look set to be the most competitive and lucrative ever seen in the region following the return of the Australian Open, growth in prize money at the New Zealand Classic and new broadcast agreements reached with Sky New Zealand and FOX Australia.

With an additional nine tournaments taking place in Australia and a further three in New Zealand, investment in the PSA World Tour in Australia and New Zealand is testament to the growth of professional squash in the region as membership, viewer numbers and tournaments continue to rise.

PSA Oceanic Representative Kashif Suja explained “Oceania has a rich history in squash with Australia and New Zealand having had a great domestic tour set-up for a very long time.

“This year’s tour is the busiest I can remember for a very long time – catering for a wide range of players with a host of events, from closed satellite level all the way through to the PSA International 25 Australian Open.

“This is great for players, enthusiasts, venues and spectators alike and continues to showcase the excellent work being done by Squash New Zealand, Squash Australia, Squash Victoria and a lot of individual clubs, centres and regions all over Australia and New Zealand.”

The 2015 Australian Squash Tour will once again feature a sweep of events across the length and breadth of Australia, with the return of the Australian Open to Melbourne in August the ‘jewel in the crown’.

Squash Australia Chief Executive Gary O’Donnell adds "the Australian squash tour has been a great success in not only showcasing world class squash to all parts of Australia but bringing together State & Territory Squash Associations with host centres to deliver a range of local events.

“These events provides highly valued World Tour points to Australian players but also offers their opponents who come from all parts of the world the chance to compete.”

2015 represents the busiest year for the PSA World Tour in New Zealand in recent memory with a Challenger 5, Challenger 10 and two Challenger 15 events, plus a host of Closed Satellites offering something to a wide range of players.

Squash New Zealand Squash Director Michael Pittams concluded "tThe increase in activity continues positive recent trends in the country, with bigger and better events coming on the calendar in each of the last several years, keeping fans and spectators excited,” said

“Joining the established June circuit on the calendar is the Waikato Open, which is part of the Waikato District Association’s 50th jubilee celebrations.

“It is vitally important that professional squash is played in New Zealand, keeping the sport in the media limelight as much as possible and providing inspiration to the players of tomorrow and Squash New Zealand remains heavily indebted to the host clubs and sponsors who make these events possible.”

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