The Cayman Islands National Squash Association (CINSA) is hosting the 2012 Cayman Squash World Open taking place in the Cayman Islands December 13 -21

The tournament is attracting the best players in the world as can be seen from the rankings and draw.

The draw for the Cayman World Open has Malaysia’s Nicol David topping the seedings as she aims for a seventh world title.

The first four days of the event will take place at the South Sound Squash Club, before the action moves to an all-glass court on Festival Green on Camana Bay.

David is currently ranked world number 1 in women’s squash, and is the first Asian woman to achieve this. She won the British Open title in 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2012, as well as the World Open title a record 6 times in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.

David joined WISPA (Women’s International Squash Association – Women’s Squash Association) and turned professional in 2000 when she won her first WISPA title, after only a month in the tour.

David has also obtained the WISPA Player of the Year on six consecutive occasions, from 2005 until 2010 and also has three Cayman open titles to her name.

David said; “It’s just fantastic that the Cayman Islands will be hosting the 2012 World Open. I’m really excited to be back there and I know a lot of people are coming from all over the world to watch the top women compete and enjoy everything the island has to offer.”

She faces a tough first round opponent in former No. 4 and 2010 runner up Omneya Addel Kawy of Egypt.

Raneem El Weleily is seeded second and Laura Massaro is seeded third.

88 Athletes will be participating with 34 different nationalities present.

Over 600 visitors are expected with international media coverage on Squash TV and worldwide print and web coverage.

Cayman Islands Premier Hon. McKeeva Bush said, “Sports tourism is an essential niche market for development of the Cayman Island’s already diverse tourism product. It is therefore truly an honour for the Cayman Islands to be afforded the privilege of hosting the 2012 World Squash Open.”

Jackie Doak COO for Dart Realty (Cayman) Ltd said, “Camana Bay is committed to helping build Cayman’s reputation as a sports tourism destination, by providing a world-class venue for local and international sports groups and events. That we are able to host such an event is a testament to Cayman’s desirability as a sporting destination within the Caribbean. It’s also a great opportunity for Cayman to build relationships within the international sports scene, which in turn creates new and exciting opportunities for the future.”

The event will generate thousands of dollars for the junior squash programme, which has thrived as the beneficiary of the Cayman Open. Since its inception in 2009, the Cayman Open has been a non-profit event with all the benefits going to grassroots junior squash programme.

The main sponsor of the event is accounting firm BDO Cayman Islands and Glen Trenouth, BDO Managing Partner said, “That we are able to host such an event is a testament to Cayman’s desirability as a sporting destination within the Caribbean. It’s also a great opportunity for Cayman to build relationships within the international sports scene, which in turn creates new and exciting opportunities for the future.”

Tournament Director, Starfish Sports, Dan Kneipp said, “We aim to make the 2012 World Open the best World Championships ever.” The tournament started “this journey,” he added, “in 2007 with the hope of bringing the World Championships to the Cayman Islands.”

For more information on the event go to:

http://www.worldopensquash.com/today.htm