WSA In Historic WDSA Link in LA
by Howard Harding

8 November 2013 - The Women's Squash Association (WSA) will be celebrating a historic first in Los Angeles next week when the Women's L.A. Open will feature both a WSA World Tour 10 singles championship and a $10,000 Women's Doubles Squash Association (WDSA) event under one roof.

The L.A. Open, sponsored by Harrow Sports and hosted by the Jonathan Club, will take place from 13-17 November and will feature the top singles and doubles players from around the world, led by the best ever American player Amanda Sobhy, who is only twenty years of age and currently ranked 20 in the world.

Suzie Pierrepont, Acting WSA Tour Director and WSA Director of North America, could not be happier to see the women's tour back in Los Angeles: "The WSA is thrilled to be returning to L.A. and the newly renovated squash pavilion at the Jonathan Club, whose brand new facility highlights the growth of squash on the West Coast. It's fantastic to see the club supporting both the women's singles and doubles tours."

Victoria Simmonds is the event's tournament director.

"We hope the model Victoria has developed will be used by other clubs in the future," Pierrepont continued. "It is sure to be a great event for all involved."

Since inception in 2007, the WDSA has now grown for the 2013/2014 season to nine sanctioned events throughout North America, as well as three exhibition events and two local charity events. Narelle Krizek is the Founder and Tour Director and expressed how proud she is of the association with all nine tournaments being linked to local charities.

"The WDSA is not only developing the incredible game of hardball doubles but we're empowering women and helping those less fortunate at the same time," said the former Australian WSA Tour player. "We're thrilled to have the L.A. Open back on our tour calendar for this season and even more excited to be linking the event with Angel Squash."

Angel Squash has been selected as the beneficiary of the 2013 L.A. Open. Angel Squash is L.A.'s first urban youth squash program whose mission is to enrich the children, families and schools of Los Angeles. Through engagement in squash, Angel Squash aims to support each child realise their academic and personal potential.

Jonathan Club is one of the most prominent private clubs in the country with a rich and progressive history. Founded in 1895, the Club's diverse member base enjoys relationships and memories forged around the many opportunities of fine dining, social events and award shows, community outreach programs and state-of-the-art athletics and wellness facilities - including urban and beach spa retreats and a newly renovated squash pavilion and pro shop.

General Manager Matthew Allnatt is looking forward to hosting such a unique event: "This Tournament showcases not only the Club's commitment over 118 years to sports, but also an opportunity to embrace a world class event at a world class facility. We welcome the top players, amateurs and supporters to this showcase for the game of Squash."

Victoria Simmonds concluded: "With both the WSA and WDSA tours competing at the same event for the first time in history, the L.A. Open promises to be a spectacular display of professional women's squash and a monumental event for squash in Southern California."

WSA L.A. Open 1st round draw:
[1] Amanda Sobhy (USA) v Qualifier
[6] Carrie Ramsey (ENG) v Qualifier
[3] Samantha Cornett (CAN) v Qualifier
[7] Sabrina Sobhy (USA) v Gaby Huber (SUI)
[8] Sina Wall (GER) v Qualifier
[4] Tesni Evans (WAL) v [WC] Cecelia Cortes (USA)
[5] Olivia Blatchford (USA) v Kristen Lange (USA)
[2] Latasha Khan (USA) v Nayelly Hernandez (MEX)