EGYPT's Black Ball Squash Club is ready to host its second major international squash tournament next month, this time a women's championship. The first tournament was the Platinum Men's Black Ball ‘n Squash Open, which took place in December last year. The four-day Black Ball Women's Squash Open will be held 11 March to 15 March at the club premises in New Cairo with the participation of 24 top seed players from 10 countries. A total of $107,000 is up for grabs in prize money, making it a gold category event. Squash tournaments with over $180,000 in prize money are categorised as platinum events. According to club director Mohamed Raef, the venue was keen to host the tournament in March because 8 March is International Women's Day and 21 March is Egypt's Mother's Day. Raef, who is also the tournament director, added that the top women's players have already confirmed their participation in the event. “We expect a high spectator turnout for the tournament which will be broadcast live on Egyptian channels and the international Professional Squash Association (PSA) website.” Tournament technical director Ashraf Hanafi said that 23 top players have already confirmed their participation. Egypt's Salma Hatem has been awarded the wild card to complete the 24 players who represent England, France, New Zealand, India, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Wales and Egypt. The club's chairman of the board, Ahmed Al-Abd, revealed club plans to organise a major squash event every three months. He announced the club will host the Juniors Squash Open in June which will comprise 300 players.
