Washington State Bellevue Classic Set to Become Most Lucrative 16-Man Main Draw Event Ever by Sean Reuthe
photo PSA
April 18, 2017
- World No.1 Gregory Gaultier will head an international draw at the
Pacific Market International Bellevue Squash Classic as he vies for a
share of the lucrative $150,000 prize fund - a record amount on offer
for a 16-man main draw squash tournament - between May 16-20.
Held at the Boys and Girls Club Hidden Valley Field House in Bellevue,
Washington, Gaultier will be returning to the city where he claimed the
biggest title of his career - the PSA Men’s World Championship - with
victory over former World No.3 Omar Mosaad back in 2015 at the
Meydenbauer Center in what was the first time that a United States city
had hosted the World Championship.
With 16 different nationalities represented across both the main and
qualifying draws, the Bellevue Classic promises to showcase some of the
world’s best players during the five-day tournament, with the likes of
three-time World Champion Ramy Ashour, World No.5 Marwan ElShorbagy and
former World No.1 James Willstrop all involved in a top-class draw.
Title sponsor Pacific Market International has also been joined in the
tournament's portfolio of sponsors by multinational technology giants
Microsoft, a move which has enabled the tournament to put on the record
amount of prize money on offer.
"We’re delighted to host such a strong lineup and are excited to see
that five of the world’s top 10 players have committed to appearing at
the tournament," said Tournament Promoter Shabana Khan.
"Bellevue made history in 2015 by being the first city in the United
States to host the Men’s World Championship and we are pleased to once
again enter the squash history books with the incredible $150,000 prize
purse on offer to a 16-man draw. We would like to thank all of our
sponsors and partners for making this possible.
"Bringing Microsoft on board alongside title sponsor Pacific Market
International is a huge boost for the tournament and we look forward to
working closely with our sponsors over the coming weeks."
"Bellevue has a thriving squash scene which has seen tremendous growth
in recent years and we are excited to welcome a number of the world’s
top players to the city for what promises to be a thrilling tournament."
The qualifying stages of the Pacific Market International Bellevue
Squash Classic, PSA M100 tournament will take place between May 14-15,
with the main draw being held between May 16-20.
Tickets for the Pacific Market International Bellevue Squash Classic
start from $80 and can be purchased here:
www.sportyhq.com/ticket/view/tournament/2604
2017 Pacific Market International Bellevue Squash Classic – Entry List
1) Gregory Gaultier (FRA) 2) Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) 3) Ali Farag (EGY) 4) James Willstrop (ENG) 5) Ramy Ashour (EGY) 6) Tarek Momen (EGY) 7) Daryl Selby (EGY) 8) Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) 9) Borja Golan (ESP) 10) Max Lee (HKG) 11) Stephen Coppinger (RSA) Wildcard) Dylan Cunningham (USA)
