World's Best Female Squash Players in Singapore for CIMB Singapore Women’s Squash Masters 2008

Next week, the world’s best women squash players will descend upon Singapore shores once again for the CIMB Singapore Women’s Squash Masters 2008. From 28 July to 2 August, the Kallang Squash Centre will set the stage for the Gold 35 event sanctioned by the Women’s  International Squash Players Association. With a total prize money of US$53,500 (inclusive of players compensation), the tournament also provides opportunity for points towards the WISPA World Rankings.

Nicol David of Malaysia, the current world number one, will be back to defend her title which she won at last year’s inaugural CIMB Singapore Women’s Squash Masters. Nicol fronts the stellar cast of eight from the world’s top 12 athletes who will be in town to compete alongside the legendary Malaysian star player.

Nicol, who is sponsored by CIMB, said, “I am really excited to come back to Singapore and have the opportunity to compete once again in the CIMB Singapore Women’s Squash Masters. I had a fabulous experience last year and I look forward to another victory. I am grateful and proud to be part of CIMB’s efforts in the development of squash and in elevating the sport’s profile internationally.”

World number two, Natalie Grinham, who was first runner-up in the event last year, will be representing The Netherlands instead of Australia this year. She is married to Dutch squash professional Tommy Berden and has been representing The Netherlands since the beginning of the year. Natalie’s sister, world number three Rachael Grinham, will also be contesting for the trophy in Singapore.

Also making a comeback for this year’s CIMB Singapore Women’s Squash Masters 2008 tournament is Jenny Duncalf of England who has since moved up two notches in her world-ranking to number six while Shelley Kitchen of New Zealand will provide strong competition with her recent form. She rose six notches in the rankings to hold the current position of world number seven. Singapore is represented by Joannah Yue and Koh Kar Yan who are both taking part in the Qualifiers.

Mr Desmond Hill, President of the Singapore Squash Rackets Association, said, “We are honoured to once again host these world class athletes, officials and squash enthusiasts for the CIMB Singapore Women’s Squash Masters 2008. The SSRA is deeply grateful to our title sponsor CIMB for sharing our vision and goal for rejuvenating the interest in the sport in Singapore. We are confident of yet another sell-out crowd this year.”

The tournament will be played on a single-knockout basis with 12 of the 16 players in the Main Draw already determined. A 16-player Qualifier scheduled for 28 and 29 July will determine the four qualifiers for the Main Draw.

The tournament will be held at the Kallang Squash Centre in Singapore from 28 July to 2 August.

See other recent news regarding: Travel News Asia, Promotions, New Hotels, Singapore, Women