Fitz-Gerald, recent winner of the Glidden and Greenwich Opens in the USA is unbeaten in 2000, after an absence of eight (8) months from the Women's International Squash Players Association (WISPA) World Tour during which time she has endured two operations to repair cartilage damage to her left knee.

"I am very confident after winning The Glidden Open and Greenwich Open in January. The Rosebowl Classic is an exciting new event and will provide an invaluable opportunity to acquire world ranking points as part of my long-term preparation to retaining the World Championship later in 2000'" said Fitz-Gerald.

Observers viewed the Greenwich Open win as a particularly good test of Fitz-Gerald's return to championship form. In that event, Fitz-Gerald had to defeat Natalie Grainger, world number four player who alway has given Fitz-Gerald strong competition. Also, in the finals, Fitz-Gerald defeated world #6 Suzanne Horner, who provided much stronger competition than she had the prior weekend at the Glidden event in Southport CT.

Fitz-Gerald's need to regain ranking position, coupled with her willingness to play-in through the qualifier events, has given audiences at so-called "satellite" events an opportunity to see the former world champion in action.

Sarah Fitz-Gerald, is a professional squash player from Melbourne, Australia. Sarah is three-times World Squash Champion and winner of thirty-two (32) Women's International Squash Player Association (WISPA) World Tour titles, making her the most successful present day player. After holding the #1 ranking position unbroken for two (2) years, Sarah underwent knee surgery in December 1998 and May 1999, returning to competition in 2000 winning the WISPA Glidden Open and Greenwich Open in the USA. Sarah Fitz-Gerald is the current president of WISPA, and her principal equipment sponsors are Dunlop rackets and Hi-Tec shoes.

For further information, email: sarah_fitz_press@mindspring.com

31st January 2000