Qatar will host the 2019-20 edition of the men’s world championships as the prestigious tournament returns to the country for the fifth time, Professional Squash Association (PSA) announced yesterday.
The 40th edition of the iconic championships, the most prestigious and lucrative tournament of the PSA Tour Calendar, will take place from October 31-November 8, 2019, at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.
In all, 64 players including 56 highest ranked players and eight wild card entrants will compete for a share of the $325,000 total cash prize at the tournament.
Qatar had previously hosted the sport’s pinnacle tournament in 1998, 2004, 2012 and 2014, with the 2014 final between Egyptian duo Ramy Ashour and Mohamed ElShorbagy going down in history as one of the sport’s greatest ever matches.
Ashour won the final in five tense sets (13-11, 7-11, 5-11, 11-5, 14-12) in 90 minutes of edge-of-the-seat action.
“We are delighted to announce that the 2019-20 PSA Men’s World Championships will take place in Qatar next season and are looking forward to seeing the world’s greatest players return to the country for what promises to be an exciting week of action,” PSA chief executive Alex Gough told Gulf Times.
“Qatar is a major destination on the international squash scene and has hosted some incredible tournaments and matches down the years. There is also a promising crop of young Qatari players starting to make their mark on the PSA Tour, including Abdulla al-Tamimi, who is on the verge of making the world’s top 20.”
“The Qatar Squash Federation (QSF) has taken the tournament to another level in terms of the presentation and production values of the event in recent years and we are looking forward to working with them over the coming months,” he said.
Talking about expectation from the championships, Gough said: “In 2014, we saw one of the greatest finals between Mohamed ElShorbagy and Ramy Ashour. If anything like that is repeated we will be very proud. Here in Qatar, players are so well looked after as QSF’s hospitality is second to none.
“Everything from venue to physio facilities and press is so fantastic. Qatar has always produced best quality tournaments. I am sure (tournament director) Tariq (Zainal) and his team will make it an exciting world championships. We are looking forward to an exciting event.”
Tournament Director Tariq Zainal said: “Hosting the PSA Men’s World Championships for the fifth time is another proof of Qatar’s commitment to the development of our sport. Over the years, Qatar has grown to be a global destination for top sporting events of which squash occupies a major place in the top hierarchy. We are happy and prepared to host once again a memorable event that promises to be the best ever.
“I’m sure all the players and participants are looking forward to the wonderful hospitality and superb organisation. We believe the championships will be another opportunity for squash fans, especially in the region, to enjoy watching their beloved players compete at the topmost level of the game. It will also provide an opportunity for upcoming stars to gain valuable experience which a tournament of such nature provides. We are delighted to host this tournament and we look forward to welcoming the world in 2019,” Zainal added.
World No 1 ElShorbagy thanked Qatar for supporting squash by organising big events.
“I just heard that we will play the World Championships here next year, and I want to thank the Qatari federation for the hard work they are doing to get us here every year, and for supporting squash for so long.”
India squash star Sourav Ghosal is also excited with the development. “It’s great news. Qatar Classic is a classic example for other hosts as to how PSA World Tour Platinum events should be held. I have played here (Qatar) in a World Championships in the past and have enjoyed the hospitality and the organisation has been of the top order. Qatar has done a fantastic job in the past and I think they have the capacity to organise big events like world championships and I am sure they will deliver a perfect championships next year.”
The 2019-20 PSA Men’s World Championships will replace the Qatar Classic, PSA World Tour Platinum event on the PSA Tour calendar next season. The Qatar Classic will return to the calendar for the 2020-21 season.
Qatar Squash Federation secretary-general Tareq Zainal (left) and Professional Squash Association CEO Alex Gough address a press conference in Doha yesterday. PICTURE: Jayan Orma
