Players from across the world will converge on Lagos, the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria to participate in the Lagos International Squash Classics which kicks off today at the Molade Okoya Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The international classics, with $18,000 prize money for Men and Women categories, will kick off on Tuesday, May 9 and end with a final match on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
The squash tournament, backed by Professional Squash Players Association (PSA), is expected to attract players across the world, from France, Germany, Hong Kong, England among others as well as host country, Nigeria.
The Lagos International Squash Classics is unique because it is a ranking Tournament recognised by the world body.
“We are going to have an exciting time with the players, especially with those foreign athletes in the world of squash. Squash is already a developed sport because it’s been played everywhere,” said the Director General of Lagos State Sports Commission, Oluwatoyin Gafaar.
On the format of the weeklong international tournament, the Chairman of Lagos State Squash Association, Tomi Falase, said the competition would be on straight knockouts of the 200 points international Lagos squash classics, adding that there are 24 draw programme for the male event and 16 draw for the female.
Champions in the male and female categories are going home with $12,000 and $6,000 respectively, coupled with ranking points.