Virtual Spectator Bermuda Masters 2006

Local Press Release 14-Feb-2006

To: All local media
From: Roger J. Sherratt, Press Officer, Bermuda Squash Racquets Association
Date: 14th February 2006

Subject:

The world squash rankings as of 1st January confirmed the supremacy of Canadian squash super star, Jonathon Power, who leapt to the #1 position after a brilliant 2005 season. His impressive return to the top of the world rankings started with his superb victory in last April's Virtual Spectator Bermuda Masters 2005, and it continued through the season with five major PSA titles from five final appearances. Power will no doubt be looking to repeat his spectacular start to the season when he competes in this year's Virtual Spectator Bermuda Masters 2006, presented by Logic, and hosted by Endurance.

This is the second year for the PSA Masters to be held in Bermuda, and is the second phase of the biggest contract in the history of squash which sees Bermuda hosting the Masters in 2005 and 2006, and culminating with the PSA World Open Championship in 2007. Gawain Briars, PSA Chief Executive had high praise for the Bermuda organizers and commented, "The landmark agreement has been a complete success in the first year of three, so we are looking forward with immense enthusiasm to an increased performance from promoters, organizers and players in this second year in Bermuda."

Once again the world's greatest squash players will assemble here on the Island from April 2 - 8 for the Virtual Spectator Bermuda Masters 2006. This prestigious tournament brings together all of the world's top 31 ranked players (as of 1st January), along with local qualifier, Nick Kyme, world #71 as the top ranked Bermudian player, to compete for a total of $120,000 in prize money. It will include players from 12 countries spanning five continents, with every player determined to make a positive start to the 2006 season.

The venue will again be the Jessie Vesey Sports Centre at Bermuda High School which has proved ideal for major squash tournaments. In fact the directors of the PSA stated that the Virtual Spectator Bermuda Masters 2005 was "the best event on the world tour" - high praise indeed for local organizers.

Director of Squash Ross Triffitt says, "We are delighted to have received so much praise for the success of the 2005 event and are looking forward to fine tuning the tournament in 2006. The major change in this year's format is that we have split the second round and added an extra day to the schedule to allow for more matches on the glass court."

Bermuda will receive excellent exposure with the tournament being broadcast to a potential viewing audience of 625 million people worldwide, plus live streaming over the internet. Says Triffitt, "Our success is due in large part to having first class volunteers working hard behind the scenes, and to our very supportive sponsors without whom we would simply not be able to put on an event of this magnitude."

"We are delighted to have Virtual Spectator as our title sponsor. Their superb technology is providing a new dimension to our sport and greatly enhances the event. We are also delighted to have the continuing support of Logic as presenting sponsors, and Endurance as host sponsors. In addition we have ACE, Bank of Bermuda, Cablevision, the Department of Tourism, Fairmont Resorts and Hotels Bermuda, RenaissanceRe and Xerox as primary sponsors, with supporting sponsorship coming from Aardvark, Air Care, Bacardi, Capital-G, the Department of Youth and Sport, Digicel, and Miles Market."

Chief Executive of PSA, Gawain Briars, has added his sincere thanks to all of the sponsors for supporting this prestigious event. Said Briars, "Sponsorship is the oxygen of professional sport and PSA recognizes the invaluable contribution of all the above parties in making this tournament such a continuing success on the world circuit."

Added Triffitt, "We are all set for April with our new website having been launched at www.bermudamasters.com. Last year we had tremendous spectator support and we look forward to again having this world class event watched by packed audiences. One thing for sure, we can guarantee a truly amazing sports spectacle featuring a group of the fittest athletes in any sport." Tickets will be available from 1st March at www.boxoffice.bm.

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DRAW

The players are seeded according to their PSA world rankings as of 1st January. The tournament opens with the defending champion and #1 seed, Jonathon Power of Canada, playing former top 10 player Joseph Kneipp of Australia.

The current World Champion and #2 seed Amr Shabana from Egypt will open the day session on Monday against Australian Cameron Pilley.

Monday night will feature Bermuda's wildcard, Nick Kyme, taking on one of the toughest opponents of his career, and also a very popular player on the local scene, Bermuda resident David Palmer, former world champion and #4 seed, who is fast returning to form having reached the finals of the World Open in December before losing out to Amr Shabana. This will be the ultimate test for Kyme who will no doubt be hoping for highly partisan crowd support to spur him on.

	Related Links
2006 Draw PDF Version of this Press Release - Opens in New Window Current PSA World Rankings - Opens in New Window Tournament Top 10 Seeds Tournament Sponsors Schedule of Events Tournament Venues