The Los Angeles squash community, together with sponsors Epstein Becker & Green and Feather Sports are bringing a WISPA world tour women's pro squash event to Los Angeles.
In his 15th year of bringing world-class squash to The Los Angeles Athletic Club, George P. Sape, Managing partner for Epstein Becker & Green, recently announced that EBG will continue its role as the Title Sponsor of The Club’s annual June squash championships. EBG, founded in 1973, is a general-practice law firm with more than 360 attorneys practicing in 11 offices across the country and world-wide.
Over the years, the event has taken-on many forms, such as the U.S. Men & Women’s Professional Championships, the first North American Invitational, featuring the #1 male and female-players from each of the three countries of Canada, the United States and Mexico…in addition to many invitational exhibitions.
This year’s event, co-sponsored again by Feather Sports, is scheduled for the June 20-24 weekend and will for the first time, be a fully-sanctioned WISPA World Squash Tour Event, featuring some of finest female professional squash players in the world.
Steve Hathaway, President and General Manager of the LAAC said, “For over 120 years, The Los Angeles Athletic Club has remained dedicated to its mission of providing for the body, mind and spirit of its members and guests. The Club includes state-of-the-art athletic and spa facilities, award-winning restaurants, bars, luxury meeting, conference and hotel rooms, and an array of social, business and athletic events. The Los Angeles Athletic Club was recently selected as one of the best private clubs in America, receiving Platinum Club of America status. Squash is one of The Club’s major activities and has a community of over 150 club members participating in this great game on our four international courts…and we welcome all the WISPA players to join us for a weekend of exciting matches.”
Andrew Shelley, WISPA Chief Executive said "We really welcome this initiative of LAAC Head Squash Pro Bob Hanscom and his band of sponsors who are bringing a selection of great players to Los Angeles to compete on the WISPA World Tour for the first time. I am certain that the squash community will enjoy five days of superb competition which will also stimulate media interest there in our great sport".
Chris Sinclair, Tournament Referee and one of only ten active “World” squash referees and a WSF Assessors, is the only woman in the world to hold this distinguished squash-refereeing rating. As Australia’s most-recognized squash official, she has refereed at 17 world championships, two World Doubles Championships, a World Cup and two Commonwealth Games. A 20-year squash refereeing veteran, Ms. Sinclair said, “If I could play at the top level, I would. But I can’t, so refereeing is a way I can contribute. I will be in LA for the Epstein Becker & Green Los Angeles Open – a WISPA silver tier event. It will be my first visit to The Los Angeles Athletic Club and will be an opportunity to renew some American refereeing friendships. I know this event rates highly for the WISPA players due to the wonderful accommodations, court facilities and of course the fabulous welcoming atmosphere of the tournament officials. I look forward to seeing you all in June.”
Dr. M.H. Moustafa, CEO of Feather Sports, the event’s official racket sponsor and the official racquet-GRIP of the PSA. said " Feather wishes all the WISPA ladies the best of luck while visiting us in L.A."
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