WISPA Begins Streaming

By Howard Harding

The Women's International Squash Players' Association has confirmed today (Friday) that it will begin a year of streaming a selection of women's WISPA World Tour events alongside the top men's championships on PSALive.

"We have held back introducing streaming until we could be sure of the quality, affordability and durability of service," commented WISPA Chief Executive Andrew Shelley. "However, the opportunity of a one year trial provided by PSALive is a very welcome chance for us to provide squash enthusiasts with a service while we develop a longer way forward.

"PSALive has a membership base that has grown to 30,000, has great experience and offers a rounded package with player commentary, live chat and other features. We look forward to seeing the public reaction," Shelley added.

The first streamed WISPA event will be the Dunlop British Open in Liverpool next week, with other major events to follow later in the year.

Interim PSA Chief Executive Ted Wallbutton responded: "We are delighted that WISPA has been able to accept our offer to stream their major events for a trial period of one year and make a major breakthrough in the coverage of professional Squash. We believe that webstreaming is a vital part of the promotion of a niche sport such as ours, giving the Squash fan the opportunity to see matches live or in replay.

"The addition of women's matches to the PSALive offering will make the skills and excitement of WISPA events accessible to existing and new viewers and is a step towards bringing even greater cohesion and harmony to the world of Squash. "

PSALIVE's coverage has set a new standard for showing squash for squash enthusiasts with real time on-screen statistics, and multi-camera instant replays which are shown on giant screens. They will also be improving the background technology which will allow more functionality and also a better quality picture too - making watching squash online an even more exciting experience.