The Sports Backers announced today that The University of Richmond will host the 2008 Davenport Professional Squash Championship February 25th to March 1st.

The Championship will attract professional and elite players from around the world. The competition will be held in a high visibility glass-walled court at the UR’s Millhiser Gym February 25th to March 1st. Qualifying matches will be held February 23rd and 24th at the Country Club of Virginia.

“This draw is will be the strongest draw anywhere in the U.S. this year and probably one of the top six strongest draws anywhere in the world in 2008,” says tournament director Gus Cook, who is also the head squash pro at the Country Club of Virginia.

“With $80,000 in prize money, we have achieved super series status,” adds fundraising chairman David Hetherington. “It’s a strong statement to the global squash community that Richmond is on the map with London, Hong Kong and New York City.”

Squash, the racquet sport played indoors on hardwood courts with elongated racquets and rubber balls that are softer than racquet balls (hence they “squash” when hit,) has a burgeoning presence in Richmond.
The top 12 world ranked players that have committed to play are: Ramy Ashour Egypt, world #2; Greg Gaultier, France, world # 3; David Palmer, Australia, world #4; James Wilstrop, England, world #6; Thierry Lincou, France, world #7; Karim Darwish, Egypt, world #8; John White, Scotland, world #9; Wael El Hindi, Egypt, world #10 and others.

Tickets are available for squash matches set for Monday, February 25th to Wednesday, February 27th. Matches for Thursday, February 28, 2008 to Saturday, March 1st are sold out. There will be free parking for spectators in the Special Events Lot at the University of Richmond.

The Virginia Squash Racquets Association has the complete schedule.