Canary Wharf squash line-up looking good

By Simon Hayes on November 6, 2008 11:27 AM |

Tagged with:

IT looks set to be a battle between England and Egypt when the world’s best squash players come to Canary Wharf.

World No.1 Amr Shabana is lined up to appear at the Canary Wharf Classic next March and could be joined by three of his compatriots in the tournament, including new world champion Ramy Ashour.

But they will face stiff opposition from a strong English contingent, led by triple Wharf champion James Willstrop, who will be aiming to defend the crown he won in style this year.

Co-promoter Alan Thatcher believes it will make for the most exciting tournament since it was first held in 2004.

He said: “This is going to be the best tournament so far. Egypt has produced an exceptional crop of talented players and they are dominating the world game.

“But England have some great players too. Apart from Willstrop, there’s Nick Matthew and local lad Peter Barker, who are both in the world’s top 10.

“And when you throw players like France’s Thierry Lincou and Aussie David Palmer into the mix it promises to be an explosive battle for the title.�?

The Canary Wharf Classic is now the biggest tournament in the UK, boasting a pot of $53,000, including a $10,000 top prize.

Willstrop triumphed last March but there is no guarantee the Yorkshireman will have things his own way next time.

Mr Thatcher said: “Peter Barker will be very up for this one. He lives in Limehouse and will be keen to win his local tournament. He’s won two world-ranking titles this year and has been Britain’s most consistent player.�?

The tournament, played on a specially constructed glass court in the East Wintergarden, always pulls in the crowds.

Mr Thatcher said: “We’re now in our sixth year and it’s just gone from strength to strength. We’re lucky to have been blessed with some fantastic finals every year and I expect next year’s to be just as exciting.�?

The top 12 ranked players are automatically entered into the draw alongside four qualifiers from a preliminary tournament held at Wimbledon on the weekend before.

Mr Thatcher said: “The qualifying is absolutely brutal. These are players who need to get into tournaments to get ranking points, as well as prize money, so there is no quarter given.

“And those players go on to show they have a point to prove at the main event – as last year’s beaten finalist Cameron Pilley proved – so it makes for some thrilling squash.�?

The Canary Wharf Classic runs between March 23-27. Tickets are still available. To book visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk or call 0844 847 2419.