Dubai: Dubai’s status as a global sporting centre knows no bounds and the emirate has received a resounding thumbs-up from some of the best squash players on the planet who are currently competing in the season-ending PSA World Series Squash Championships at the Burj Park in Downtown Dubai.
Nour Al Sherbini, the youngest-ever women’s world champion, and Britain’s three-time Squash world champion Nick Matthew were sold after playing in the purpose-built glassed court located on the picturesque Burj Lake near the iconic Dubai Fountain.
“This is such a beautiful setting, so inspiring,” said 20-year-old Al Sherbini, who vaulted to the top of the rankings when she defeated Britain’s Laura Massaro in the PSA Women’s world championships in Malaysia.
“As a city Dubai has made great progress which is something that squash has also achieved in recent years. So it is only fitting to host our season-ending tournament in such a unique setting.
“I really like it out here and I’m sure it’s the same with the other players.”
Matthew, who has enjoyed a prolific career since he turned pro in 1998, believe Dubai ranks among the top three best squash venues in the world.
“Dubai is the new frontier for squash,” he said. “Whenever you think about squash you think about the iconic landmarks that have played host to the game — New York’s art deco Grand Central Terminal, the Pyramids in Egypt, Hong Kong Harbour and Australia’s Sydney Opera House.
“The Dubai World Series Finals are very much on that list and a new entry into the top three, I think.
“This is a stunning venue and will become a part of squash’s legacy.”
France’s Gregory Gaultier, the world number two, was also full of praise for the Dubai setting.
“This is amazing. It’s good to bring squash to new countries,” he said. “It’s a big opportunity for the all the players to play in such a nice city. We’ve all been looking forward to playing in front of the world’s tallest building and I’m grateful to the organisers for their hard work that has helped make this venue happen.”
Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, under whose auspices the Dubai World Series Finals are being held, ‘underscore Dubai’s growing reputation as an international home for racquet sports.’
“Attracting such high calibre competitions to the emirates is one of the key objectives of the Dubai Sports Council,” he said in his welcome address.
Dubai is also home to the World Superseries badminton finals and the Asian Cup Table Tennis Championships.
Ziad Al Turki, President of the Professional Squash Association (PSA), believes that the Dubai world Series Finals could be the ‘next catalyst to take the sport forward.”
“It’s the sporting capital of the region, and people from all around the world are excited to come here because of what Dubai offers,” said Al Turki.
