Admission to event is free says Qatar Airways

Doha, Qatar : Qatar Airways has announced that admission to the Qatar Airways Squash Challenge - the first Grand Prix event on the 2004 women's world squash circuit - will be free.

The Qatar Airways Squash Challenge will kick off next week on February 23 at the Khalifa International Tennis-Squash Stadium, and feature the world's top 32 women's squash players.

"The Qatar Airways Squash Challenge is the first and the richest Grand Prix event on the WISPA 2004 calendar," said Qatar Airways' Chief Executive Officer Mr Akbar Al Baker.

"Qatar Airways is particularly pleased that we could attract this event to Doha, and enhance Doha's growing reputation as a centre for major international sports events.

"Were giving people the opportunity to come and see the world's best 32 women players compete for the Qatar Airways Squash Challenge trophy and US$70,000 in prize money.

"We'll see an extremely high standard of squash on display, and I expect that there will be great competition especially amongst the top ranked players.

"Not only is the inaugural Qatar Airways Squash Challenge trophy up for grabs but so are important Grand Prix points.

"Admission to the event for the full five days will be free, including the finals which will be played on February 27 and 28," said Mr Al Baker.

The Qatar Airways Squash Challenge will open on February 23 at the Khalifa International Tennis-Squash Stadium in Doha, Qatar. The event will finish on February 28. Most games will start from 2 pm.