11/21/2007 11:24:00 AM What you need to know about the World Open
Here are the essential facts you need to know about the World Open and its qualifying tournament:
World Open Qualifying tournament
8 32 players will be competing for 8 places in the Main Draw
* All the Qualifying Draw matches will take place at the BSRA courts in Devonshire on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 November between 12 noon and approximately 7pm each day. - a total of 32 matches
* Entry to the club is free.
* The draw comprises:
1. The next 24 players who just missed automatic qualification to the Main Draw. They range from the world #27 to the world #55 players.
2. Four players invited on behalf of the World Squash Federation, and in order to qualify they must by the national champion of a country that would not othwerwise be participating in the World Open. The four are from the British Virgin Islands (Joe Chapman) , South Africa, Hong Kong,and Denmark .
3. Our 4 local qualifiers. If you check the attached list you will see their world rankings e.g. Melrindo is ranked #368 (he has a tough hill to climb!) .
* The first 16 players are seeded, which means that the 4 WSF invitees and our 4 local qualifiers will be drawn in the 2nd 16. This guarantees that they cannot be drawn against each other.
* The Qualifying Draw is made at 10am on Friday, with play starting at 12 noon.
World Open
* Opening Ceremony, 6pm, Sunday.
* Four matches are scheduled for each night from Sunday through to the semi-finals night on Friday 30th November. These sessions start at 6pm until approximately 10pm.
* The Final will be held at 6pm on Saturday.
* There is a hospitality tent on site, complete with food, beverages, a fully licensed bar and merchandise.
* Doors open at 5pm daily. Tickets are available from Gateway on Queen Street, from the BSRA in Devonshire at 292-6881 (after 10am), on line from www.boxoffice.bm and at the venue after 4.30pm on each day of play.
* All games held at the new purpose-built glass court and auditorium at Turtle Hill, Fairmont Southampton.
* For more information check their website at www.squashworldopen.com
