Virtual Spectator Bermuda Masters 2006

International Press Release 07-Mar-2006 - Re-Draw

To: International Media
From: Roger J. Sherratt, Press Officer, Bermuda Squash Racquets Association
Date: 7th March 2006

Subject:

The squash world was shocked last week by the unexpected announcement by world #1 Jonathon Power of Canada who was also #1 seed in this year’s Virtual Spectator Bermuda Masters 2006, scheduled to be played from 2nd –8th April at the BHS Jessie Vesey Sports Centre.

Tournament Director Ross Triffitt says, "This did cause quite a problem for us and the PSA because Jonathon had not officially withdrawn from our tournament until Monday of this week, and as #1 seed it meant the whole draw would have to be re-done. We were naturally disappointed to hear that Jonathon had retired because he has been one of the most exciting players on the professional circuit, but he leaves at a time when there is an abundance of exceptionally talented players at the top."

The Professional Squash Association (PSA) swung into action this week, adjusting the seedings and finalizing the new draw. The new #1 seed is the current World Open Champion, Amr Shabana of Egypt, who is on brilliant form at the moment, and the #2 seed is Anthony Ricketts of Australia, winner of last year’s British Open. Both of these players will be very hard to beat, but they will be hard pressed by a world class field all eager to take the title.

Under normal circumstances the replacement for Power would automatically be the world #32 player because all those above him are already in the tournament, but that position is held by former Bermuda Open and former World Junior champion, Simon Parke, who is committed to compete in the Irish Open, as are Renan Lavigne #33 and Davide Bianchetti #34, so the extra player is world #35 Dan Jensen of Australia, a former world #4.

Tournament organizers in Bermuda had been delighted with the original draw which saw local qualifier, Nick Kyme world #71, facing Bermuda-based Australian, David Palmer, now the #3 seed, who is also the current #1 ranked player as of the March PSA rankings. Palmer enjoys a tremendous following on the Island, and by complete coincidence these two are drawn against each other again, so local squash fans will get to cheer both of their favourite players, and even if Palmer manages to trounce Kyme he will still be guaranteed ardent support from the “vocal locals” as he progresses through the tournament.

Says Tournament Director, Ross Triffitt, “Despite the retirement of the greatest player ever from North America, we still have a tremendous wealth of superb players competing in the Virtual Spectator Bermuda Masters 2006. We look forward to a spectacular feast of squash next month.”

	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