The countdown has begun to the ATCO PSA World Series Finals, as the best squash players get set to go head-to-head in Dubai.
In the five-day competition, supported by the Dubai Sports Council, players compete in a best-of-three group stage as they battle it out for a place in the knockout rounds. As well as the championship title, players are competing for a share of the Dhs1,175,408 ($320,000) prize money, which is split equally between the men’s and women’s events.
To qualify for the tournament, which takes place at Emirates Golf Club between June 5-9, players must finish in the top eight on the PSA World Series standings. Qualifying points are up for grabs at all eight World Series tournaments throughout the 2017/18 season.
Defending champion, England’s Laura Massaro has qualified with a third consecutive title in her sights while Camille Serme (France), Nouran Gohar (Egypt) and Sarah-Jane Perry (England) make up the final three spots in the top eight. New Zealand’s Joelle King is also on her way to compete in Dubai for the first time.
Fan favourite: Camille Serme
In the men’s line-up, 2016 champion Gregory Gaultier’s second round win in the British Open will see him return to Dubai. Former World Champion Karim Abdel Gawad is still in contention to secure a place in the tournament despite losing in the second round in Hull, UK.
Egypt’s Mohamed ElShorbagy, Marwan ElShorbagy, Ali Farag and Tarek Momen, along with Simon Rosner (Germany), have all sealed their spots in the men’s competition. The complete line-up will be confirmed following Sunday’s British Open final.
Tickets for the ATCO PSA Dubai World Series Finals can be purchased at www.dubai.platinumlist.net with prices starting at Dhs55. More information on both the PSA World Series and the PSA World Tour, can be found at www.worldseriesfinals.com