Barker, Berden & Guiffre Head Field in Calgary
Jan 17, 2004, by Ryan Barnett, SquashTalk correspondent, Independent News Service © 2005 all Rights Reserved;

Event Gains Stature with $10K Prize Money   [draw/results]

Final preparations are underway as Calgary’s Banker’s Hall Club prepares to host the 2005 Talisman Energy Pro-Am. For the 4th straight year Tournament Chairman and BHC squash professional Bob Ballinger has managed to bring the PSA Tour to the Stampede city.

This year’s event not only offers more in total prize money, $10K U.S. but has attracted the strongest field ever. Ballinger says there are two reasons why the tournament continues to grow in stature with every passing year. “First off, professional squash as a whole is gaining popularity in North America. Look at all the events being played over here. For players based in Europe or other areas they can come to North America play almost weekly, practically cover their expenses, and build their ranking. Secondly, I believe word of mouth plays a huge role. Players talk to each other and I feel pretty comfortable stating that this is a great event that caters to the players and is for the players. For some of the guys this will be their 3rd visit.”

Speaking of players. England’s Peter Barker now ranked #33 by the PSA tops the draw. It will be interesting to see if he can live up to his ranking (and recent press) and perform at altitude? Local interest will rest squarely on the shoulders of Edmonton’s Matthew Giuffre ranked #58. Giuffre appears to be in fine form having made the final this past weekend in Vancouver. Other players to watch out for include a pair of Englishmen, last year’s finalist Alex Stait, and Ben Garner who will be looking to make amends for his early exit last year. Lurking in the bottom half of the draw we have the #2 seed appropriately tagged “The Flying Dutchman” Tommy Berden, who is ranked #39.

Both 1st & 2nd round qualifying matches will be played on Wednesday January 19th with main draw action beginning at noon on January 20th. A full slate of companion events sees an additional 160 players taking part in the week’s festivities

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