Pro Squash Tour's Cleveland Classic returns with world class draw

CLEVELAND - The Pro Squash Tour returns to Cleveland this season with a world class draw of professional squash players from eight countries who will compete in the Cleveland Classic on Oct. 19-21 at the Cleveland Skating Club.

The tournament also coincides with World Squash Day, Oct. 20, a global celebration of the sport.

David Palmer of Australia, winner of the 2011 Cleveland Classic, will seek to defend his title but not without a fight against many talented opponents, including Wael El Hindi of Egypt, PST's 2012 World Champion and winner of the 2010 Cleveland Classic, and Bradley Ball of England, 2011 PST World Champion.

The international field will also feature Thierry Lincou, 11-time French National Champion, and Stephane Galifi, Italy's No. 1, who will make their PST debut in Cleveland. Also in the mix are local squash favorites Ian Sly, Joe Russell and Drewe Williams. Sly represents the Tavern Club, while Russell and Williams are both teaching pros at the Cleveland Racquet Club.

On World Squash Day, squash clubs and players from around the globe will support this year's theme, Back the Bid 2020. Players worldwide will unite to create the biggest squash match in history, playing in one global event designed to back the sport's bid for a place in the 2020 Olympic Games.

The weekend will also offer a special treat for the youngsters from Urban Squash Cleveland who will get their chance on court with the pros. "With the pros in town and World Squash Day, this will be a great weekend of squash for fans, as well as newcomers to the sport," said Jack Herrick of Cleveland, longtime squash player who was recently inducted into the U.S. Squash Hall of Fame.

The Cleveland Classic begins Friday, October 19 at 5 p.m. and continues Saturday, October 20 with the quarterfinals at 11 a.m. and semifinals at 5 p.m. The championship match is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Sunday, October 21 following the 3 ^rd place match at noon. There is no admission charge on Friday evening. Tickets are $20 for the quarterfinals and $50 for the semifinals and finals.

Squash is played by an estimated 20 million people in 185 countries. Players from across the globe compete on the Pro Squash Tour for points and prize money. PST's top eight players are invited to an end-of-season tournament to compete for the PST World Championship.

For more information about the Cleveland Classic, please visit www.ProSquashTour.net .