PSA Celebrates Historic Million Dollar Saudi Agreement
Pakistan Times Sports Desk

LONDON (UK): The Professional Squash Association has finalized a record agreement in professional squash worth more than one million US dollars in Saudi Arabia.

The deal, according to PSA media release, has come just over a week after announcing a major three-year agreement in Kuwait.

Ziad Al-Turki, promoter of the Saudi International, has confirmed an historic five-year deal with the PSA to present four Super Series Platinum tournaments (in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011) - each with total minimum prize funds of US$182,500 - and the 2010 Menâ World Open at a minimum of US$322,500, said the release.

“Since Ziad and the Atco Group’s first Super Series Platinum tournament in 2005, his enthusiasm and drive to better our sport have been second to none,” said PSA Chief Executive Gawain Briars.

“This agreement is definitive proof of his commitment to markedly accelerate the standards of events and the incomes of professional players.

“Not only will this news raise the profile of squash in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East but, as with many benefactors in sport, Ziad has confirmed his intention that all profits raised from the events will be donated to a handicap charity within Saudi Arabia,” added Briars.

He said the Middle East has clearly signaled its intention to drive up standards in the game by presenting the biggest tournaments in the world in memorable venues appreciated by both players and audiences.●