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By Gary Denvir
Media Manager
Squash New Zealand
The final piece of the puzzle is complete in the planning for the Mt Maunganui International Festival of Squash with the signing of World number 13 Kasey Brown. The event which will be staged in the BayFair Shopping Centre now has a full complement of international players.
The Australian joins World number seven and NZ number one Shelley Kitchen as well as Irelands Madeline Perry (WR #16) in the Women’s draw. In the men’s Malaysians Ong Beng Hee (World #11), and Mohd Azlan Iskandar (World #13) are joined by a full complement of New Zealand’s leading men, including New Zealand number one Kashif Shuja.
Kasey Brown is one of the fastest improving players on the circuit and recently beat Shelley Kitchen in the Korean Open. The 22 year old who is now based in England was the winner of the 2006 Australian Open Winner, and has recently shown some impressive form on the women’s WISPA International Circuit.
"To be able to confirm another leading international player is extremely positive and we now look forward to some very exciting squash action in the BayFair Shopping Centre" said Mt Maunganui Squash Club President Mike Flood-Smith.
Planning is well underway for the innovative squash event which has been made possible through sponsorship and support from the BayFair Shopping Centre, Delta Corporation and Squash New Zealand.
In a move away from the traditional squash club, Bayfair Shopping Centre will be the venue for this innovative sporting event. The all glass court will be erected in the shopping centre creating a stunning visual setting for this dynamic squash event, the first time ever in New Zealand that a squash series has been held in this environment.
"The event has created a buzz throughout the Bayfair Shopping Centre, and all involved are looking forward to hosting the worlds top players in our centre" said Bayfair Centre Manager Andrew Wadsworth.
Running in conjunction with the international event, the week long squash festival will also include a local Mt Maunganui Open event which is already attracting a great deal of interest.
The event will take place on August 8-10, with a qualifying event scheduled for August 6-7 at the Mt Maunganui Squash Club.
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