University benefactor Dr Assem Allam announces deal to hold world squash tournament at University of Hull

The University of Hull will host one of the world’s most prestigious squash championships, it has been announced.

Dr Assem Allam, already a big benefactor of the University of Hull and a long-time sponsor of the Allam British Open announced the deal at the University’s new sports facilities, the Beacon.

It is the first time the University will host the entire tournament, having been the venue for qualifying and round one matches in the past.

In addition, England Squash and England Squash Masters have also announced the 2019 British Open Masters Championships will be played alongside the Allam British Open in Hull from 20th to 27th May.

The move will see close-to 500 of the world’s top squash players in the city with the Allam British Open running from May 18 to 26.

Dr Allam said: “I am very happy to continue to support the Allam British Open and extend my backing of this great tournament. The British Open is a ‘national treasure’ and it is fantastic that we are continuing to build on the legacy of staging the event completely at the new sport development on the University of Hull campus and continuing to inspire new generations to become involved with the sport in the region. I hope that we can attract many young students to discover squash for the first time in 2019 and look forward to working together with England Squash, the PSA and the University of Hull to develop the sport in the region in the years to come.”

An all-glass court, complete with spectator seating, will be erected solely for the tournament and will see the University, which has been host to qualification and first round matches for the past five years, expand its support of the prestigious tournament.

Almost 5,000 fans descending on Hull from all over the world throughout the tournament week will be able to witness the action unfold each day at the glass court arena in what will be the final major Platinum level tournament of the 2018/19 PSA World Tour season. 

Millions more will be able to follow the prestigious event through television, digital broadcasts and social media - with the 2018 edition of the Allam British Open reaching over 10 million people consuming close to ten million minutes of content across social media platforms alone.

Alex Gough, PSA Chief Executive, added: “The Allam British Open is the oldest and one of the most iconic event in squash and Hull has proven to be a fitting home for the tournament during the past six years. For an event of this stature to have longevity and stability is a huge bonus for our players and our sport and we look forward to working with all parties involved to help ensure the next edition delivers an exceptional experience at the University of Hull.”

Steve Curtis, Partnerships and Project Manager for Sport at the University of Hull, said: “We are a university which is passionate about sport and this announcement is fantastic news. Our ambition is to be able to provide the setting to host world tournaments like this and our new facilities will provide an amazing location. We look forward to welcoming spectators from across the globe to witness what is sure to be a thrilling tournament.

“We hope the event can inspire the region to pick up a racket and give squash a go, we will be working in local schools to provide opportunities to try squash and to attend the championships on campus.”

The move to bring back the Masters tournament to Hull follows the £16 million redevelopment of the University of Hull sport’s arena which boasts a six-court squash facility allowing for both championships to be staged concurrently.

Now in its 67th year, the British Open Masters is one of the most sought-after titles in squash attracting 300 of the finest masters players from around the world competing across 18 age categories.

Keir Worth, CEO at England Squash said: “We are thrilled to welcome the British Open Masters back to Hull. The University of Hull has a strong track record in delivering major squash events, and the new state-of-the-art facilities at the university will provide a tremendous setting for the finals. We look forward to working in partnership with the England Squash Masters Committee to deliver a successful event.”