Three time World Squash Champion Sarah Fitz-Gerald has confirmed her entry in the Bavarian Open, to be held in Parsdorf, Germany from the 10th to 16th March.

Fitz-Gerald, a three-time world champion, will be required to qualify due to her eight-month layoff from competition. "I fee that my comeback program is on schedule and on target," said Fitz-Gerald on the eve of her qualifier in Germany. "I am eagerly looking forward to the opportunity to compete and test myself against the best women this weekend."

Fitz-Gerald, recent winner of three events in January and February, 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 the Glidden, Greenwich, and Rosebowl wins. The Bavarian Open will be another opportunity to acquire world ranking points as part of my long-term preparation to regaining the World Championship later in 2000" said Fitz-Gerald. "This will be a more difficult challenge, with a stronger field than the previous three tournaments I played in earlier this year."

Sarah Fitz-Gerald, is a professional squash player from Melbourne, Australia. Sarah is three-times World Squash Champion and winner of thirty-three (33) 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, and Rosebowl Classic in England. Sarah Fitz-Gerald is the current president of WISPA, and her principal equipment sponsors are Dunlop rackets and Hi-Tec shoes.

For further information, visit www.squashtalk.com/sarahfitz

or email: sarah_fitz_press@mindspring.com

9th April 2000