Canberra set to shine for Australian Open
16-May-2012 -
The Open will once again be held on the all-glass court set up in the city’s Royal Theatre, with comfortable seating for almost 2000 spectators.
The Australian Open has been a huge success since moving to Canberra in 2010 and Squash Australia CEO Gary O’Donnell said he expected the 2012 event to be even better than the two previous editions.
“Everyone involved has done a magnificent job in putting the Australian Open on in Canberra, and each year they present a polished and professionally managed event,” he said.
“The precinct around the National Convention Centre is the ideal location for the tournament and players love coming here to take part.
“And the glass court in the Royal Theatre provides a spectacular setting with fans having unimpeded views of the action.”
The Australian Open is one of world squash’s oldest and most prestigious tournaments. Past winners include some of the sport’s greatest names, including Heather McKay, Geoff Hunt, Jahangir Khan, David Palmer, Michelle Martin and Sarah Fitz-Gerald.
Tennis legend Harry Hopman was a two-time champion in 1933-34.
Last year’s winners were Egyptian maestro Ramy Ashour and Malaysian squash queen Nicol David.
“We are excited about welcoming players from all over the world and fans from right across the country to Canberra once again this year,” tournament director Gary Hampson said.
The Open is the culmination of the increasingly successful 13-tournament Australian Squash Tour, which now takes in every state and territory.
The next stop on the Tour is the NT Open beginning on May 17, followed by the WA Open in Perth the following week.
