World No.1 Gregory Gaultier will head an international draw at the Pacific Market International Bellevue Squash Classic as he vies for a share of the lucrative $150,000 prize fund - a record amount on offer for a 16-man main draw squash tournament - between May 16-20.
Held at the Boys and Girls Club Hidden Valley Field House in Bellevue, Washington, Gaultier will be returning to the city where he claimed the biggest title of his career - the PSA Men’s World Championship - with victory over former World No.3 Omar Mosaad back in 2015 at the Meydenbauer Center in what was the first time that a United States city had hosted the World Championship.
With 16 different nationalities represented across both the main and qualifying draws, the Bellevue Classic promises to showcase some of the world’s best players during the five-day tournament, with the likes of three-time World Champion Ramy Ashour, World No.5 Marwan ElShorbagy and former World No.1 James Willstrop all involved in a top-class draw.
Title sponsor Pacific Market International has also been joined in the tournament's portfolio of sponsors by multinational technology giants Microsoft, a move which has enabled the tournament to put on the record amount of prize money on offer.
"We’re delighted to host such a strong lineup and are excited to see that five of the world’s top 10 players have committed to appearing at the tournament," said Tournament Promoter Shabana Khan.
"Bellevue made history in 2015 by being the first city in the United States to host the Men’s World Championship and we are pleased to once again enter the squash history books with the incredible $150,000 prize purse on offer to a 16-man draw. We would like to thank all of our sponsors and partners for making this possible.
"Bringing Microsoft on board alongside title sponsor Pacific Market International is a huge boost for the tournament and we look forward to working closely with our sponsors over the coming weeks."
"Bellevue has a thriving squash scene which has seen tremendous growth in recent years and we are excited to welcome a number of the world’s top players to the city for what promises to be a thrilling tournament."
The qualifying stages of the Pacific Market International Bellevue Squash Classic, PSA M100 tournament will take place between May 14-15, with the main draw being held between May 16-20.
Tickets for the Pacific Market International Bellevue Squash Classic start from $80 and can be purchased here: www.sportyhq.com/ticket/view/
2017 Pacific Market International Bellevue Squash Classic – Entry List
1) Gregory Gaultier (FRA)
2) Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY)
3) Ali Farag (EGY)
4) James Willstrop (ENG)
5) Ramy Ashour (EGY)
6) Tarek Momen (EGY)
7) Daryl Selby (EGY)
8) Ryan Cuskelly (AUS)
9) Borja Golan (ESP)
10) Max Lee (HKG)
11) Stephen Coppinger (RSA)
Wildcard) Dylan Cunningham (USA)
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