The annual squash extravaganza, one of the biggest events on the local sporting calendar, "Cathay Pacific Sun Hung Kai Financial Hong Kong Squash Open 2011" will take place at Hong Kong Squash Centre and Cultural Centre from November 13 to 22. The world's top 30 players from the Women's International Squash Players Association (WISPA) and the Professional Squash Association (PSA) who will be vying for a lucrative winning purse of HK$1.6 million.

They will first have to go through some tough opening stages to be held at the Squash Centre from November 13 to 18 before crossing the harbour to display their magic-like skills in front of the big backdrop of Victoria Harbour in the semi-finals and finals at the Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui. Nicol David of Malaysia, the five-time world champion is the top seed of the women's event. She will face against one of the qualifiers. Our local number one Annie Au Wing-chi who has recently reached her career high of 8 in the world ranking, will meet Ireland's Aisling Blake in the bottom half of the first round on October 16. Currently ranked 22, HK's Joey Chan Ho-ling will be facing Egypt's Omneya Abdel Kway while the rising star, Liu Tsz-ling who is the first time to enter the main draw via the wild-card will meet Camille Serme from France.

For the men's event, both the top two seeds, current world no. 1 England's Nick Matthew and the defending champion Ramy Ashour of Egypt will face against one of the qualifiers. HK's number one Max Lee Ho-yin will meet Carmeron Pilley from Australia.

Presented by Hong Kong Squash, the event is the world's first open tournament that combines both men's and women's competitions. It is highly popular among squash fans in the domestic and international community. A large overseas contingent of players, coaches, families and fans always come to watch this spectacular event.

Ticket sales is now available at Hong Kong Squash office. Please call 2523 2225 for details. No admission fee is required for qualifying rounds on November 13 and 14. For more information, please contact Hong Kong Squash at 2869 1592 or via fax 2869 0118. You can also visit our website: www.hksquash.org.hk.

‘Special thanks to our joint-title sponsors Cathay Pacific Airways and Sun Hung Kai Financial, the support has contributed greatly to our success. I would also like to thank our co-sponsors: Crocodile, Prince, Perrier, Fujifilm, Buler Swiss Watch and Lotus Tours.' said Mr. David Mui, Chairman of Hong Kong Squash. ‘We are delighted that we attracted all the world best players including our local players, Annie Au, Joey Chan, Dick Lau and Max Lee, who both will, I am sure, have the full support of the home crowd.'

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