BRITISH OPEN SQUASH NEWS Nottingham Wins British Open Bid The most prestigious event in world squash will be held in Nottingham, England, for the first time in its 81-year history when the 2003 British Open Championships are staged on an all-glass showcourt at the city's Albert Hall from 01-05 October, following qualifying rounds at Nottingham Squash Club from 29 September. The announcement was made today (Wednesday 16 July) by experienced sports promoters John Beddington and John Nimick, who acquired the British Open rights from England Squash in February. The 2003 championships will feature a 16-man-draw Professional Squash Association (PSA) Tour event; a 16-draw Women's International Squash Players' Association (WISPA) World Tour tournament; and a full programme of men's and women's 'age-group' events. "We are delighted to be able to keep these great championships alive - this is truly the start of a new era for the British Open," said joint Tournament Chairman John Beddington. "Despite acquiring the rights only five months ago, we were determined to run the event this year, even without a title sponsor. "Squash is one of the very few sports in which this country can truly boast world-class excellence, so it is particularly heartening that this great and historic event will be embraced by Nottingham, which is not only where many of the UK's top players are based, but is also home of the country's latest regional centre at Nottingham Squash Club," Beddington explained. John Nimick added: "We are carrying forward the core values of the British Open in this inaugural re-building year: We have an excellent venue, a world-class prize fund, and we are upholding the tradition of an annual gathering of the squash community to celebrate our great game." PSA Executive Director Gawain Briars commented: "I am pleased that the British Open is proceeding this autumn in Nottingham. Since Messrs. Beddington and Nimick took over the rights early this year, I know they have been working flat out to achieve a suitable presentation and venue that befits the status of the event. "As PSA Executive Director, I welcome this timely shot in the arm to the world calendar. The British Open remains the blue riband event in our game and the decision to go ahead this year in light of tough trading conditions is a brave one which I'm sure all our players and the event's supporters will appreciate," Briars continued". WISPA Director Andrew Shelley added: "The British Open has been a benchmark from which to base the success of a player's career and WISPA have quietly worked hard behind the scenes to help ensure the continuity of these championships. We are delighted that John Beddington and John Nimick have decided to go ahead in what is very much an interim year as they strive to reinvigorate the title. WISPA is totally supportive of their efforts."