Record prize money on offer for squash's China Open
By Chris Harvey
The 2016 Stars On The Bund China Open will be the biggest professional squash tournament ever to take place in China with prize money increasing to $100,000 in the Men's event and $70,000 in the Women's competition.
Many of the world's top players, including World No.1 Mohamed ElShorbagy, World Champion Gregory Gaultier, Women's World No.2 Laura Massaro and No.3 Raneem El Welily, will compete for the title in Shanghai. The action gets underway on September 1.
"We're delighted to see such a strong entry list," said tournament director Franco Amadei.
"Since first staging the Stars On The Bund China Open in 2014, thanks to the great support of players and sponsors, we have honoured the promise to improve the tournament year-on-year."
With an astonishing location for the glass court on the 11th floor terrace of The Peninsula Shanghai offering one of the most beautiful and iconic views of the city, the tournament continues to attract the world's best players and is increasing the popularity of squash in China.
"By bringing a world-class squash event to Shanghai once a year, we hope we can inspire a new generation of squash fans and players here in China, contributing also to the growth of the sport across the region," added Mr Li Sheng, Founder and CEO of promoter SECA.
2016 China Open – Men's First Round Draw
[1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) v [WC] Junjie Wang (CHN)
[Qualifier] v [5] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA)
[8] Borja Golan (ESP) v Fares Dessouky (EGY)
Cameron Pilley (AUS) v [3] Omar Mosaad (EGY)
[4] Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL) v Saurav Ghosal (IND)
[Qualifier] v [6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)
[7] Tarek Momen (EGY) v [Qualifier]
[Qualifier] v [2] Gregory Gaultier (FRA)
2016 China Open – Women's First Round Draw
[1] Laura Massaro (ENG) v [Qualifier]
[Qualifier] v [5] Joshna Chinappa (IND)
[7] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) v Emily Whitlock (ENG)
Jenny Duncalf (ENG) v [4] Joelle King (NZL)
[3] Nouran Gohar (EGY) v [Qualifier]
[Qualifier] v [6] Annie Au (HKG)
[8] Alison Waters (ENG) v Victoria Lust (ENG)
[WC] Li Dongjin (CHN) v [2] Raneem El Welily (EGY)