The Commercial International Bank – Egypt (CIB) has announced that the CIB Egyptian Squash Open Men’s and Women’s Platinum event will take place, for the second consecutive year, by the Pyramids of Giza. The tournament, organised by I-Events, is to take place from 10-17 October.
The tournament is considered one of the top eight platinum events in the world, bringing together the best 96 men and women squash players from 19 different countries.
The prize money, which totals $540,000 for both the men’s and women’s events, is the largest amount for squash tournaments this season since the emergence of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The early round matches will be taking place at the New Giza Sporting Club, while matches at the Glass Court will commence on 12 October.
Hisham Ezz Al-Arab, CIB Chairperson and Managing Director, said “We have been supporting the Egyptian squash platform out of a deep belief and confidence in Egyptian champions, and we aspire that it will be recognised as an Olympic sport one day.”
Hussein Abaza, CEO and Board Member of CIB said, “Egypt is undergoing a golden age in squash, with Egyptian players dominating the international rankings for women, men and juniors.”
He added, “We are honoured to support the Egyptian squash champions, who made have made the country proud worldwide by their professionalism, dedication and will to help others.”
Amr Mansi, Tournament Director and IEVENTS CEO, said that the organisation of this year’s edition was a significant challenge due to the global coronavirus pandemic.
Mansi added, however, that the pandemic “did not stop us from achieving our main goal of endorsing Egypt’s unparalleled achievements in squash”. He added that the tournament will apply strict health and safety protocols, international travel policies, and social distancing guidelines.
