Kuwait PSA Cup look to innovate tournament format and game play – Squash News
Squash is now following the footsteps of Football as the men’s Professional Squash Association will have a FA Cup type draw that will have a round stage and then knock-out matches. Top 48 players from all around the world will
participate in PSA Cup, contested in Kuwait, and will fight to for the title and prize money of around $165,000.
Alex Gough, Chief Executive of the PSA said “For the Kuwait PSA Cup we have introduced an open draw from the quarter-finals onwards. This means that the top two players could face each other as early as the last eight which is
something completely new in squash. We are constantly looking at ways to innovate the sport and this format, which draws on the open-draw system of the FA Cup, reflects this commitment. The fact that we have the world’s top 48 players from 21 different countries
also shows how the sport is becoming increasingly global.”
N Ramachandran, President of the World Squash Federation, said that this new format is the evidence that squash is bringing in a lot of changes that will definitely uplift the following of squash all around the world and will encourage
youngsters to choose this sport as their profession. People will soon see more changes and a completely dedicated squash channel broadcast that will capture all major and minor tournaments happening in the world.
The channel is expected to encompass 13 major tournaments on its launch and 340 million people all over the globe will be able to access that channel. If the project is successful more channels will be introduced that will cover
the minor tournaments and the span of coverage will also increase with time.
Video Review policy is also available for the players so that they can challenge the referee’s calls during the matches and just like cricket and tennis, squash will also have similar options available to contenders.
The courts will also be of different material, all-glass courts with enhanced solid glass material will be seen in the upcoming tournaments. All these advancements are expected to help preach the love for squash all across the
globe.
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