LONDON, Dec 4: Two top level squash events in Australi and Namibia are to be established as part of the re-structuring of the Professional Squash Association’s World Tour in 2010.

The emergence of the Gold Coast, Australia’s premier tourist destination, is also a major boost for squash in a country which has a rich tradition in the sport, but has not staged a major tournament for the past 17 years.

Quinton Van Rooyen, Managing Director of Namibiabs Trustco Group, and John Preston, President of the Gold Coast Combined Chambers of Commerce are the driving forces behind the new initiatives.

Speaking to media, Van Rooyen, an active squash player, declared his interest in bringing top level sport to Namibia. “Namibia is a great sporting venue and the country is ready to host more major sports events. The media, local government and business community will all get behind the tournament to ensure that the players and fans have a fabulous experience here for many years to come.”

Explaining his reasons behind seeking to run a PSA event as part of the World Tour in Gold Coast, Preston said, “The fact that squash has also emerged strongly in the Middle East is significant for us, as this is a part of the world that regularly sends many tourists to the Gold Coast.”

“Australia has a glorious heritage in squash, producing world champions over many years. It is essential that the sport has a showcase event in Australia.—AP