Squash fans are already rushing to buy tickets for the 2015 Canary Wharf Classic.
Tickets went on sale this week and Tournament Director Tim Garner is delighted to report a huge demand for prime back-wall seats.
The Canary Wharf Classic takes place from March 23-27 and Garner revealed: “We had a massive surge of interest as soon as the tickets went on sale. As always, quarter-final night is the usually the most popular because spectators know they are guaranteed to see four top-class matches.”
This PSA World Tour event is established as London’s premier squash tournament and the East Wintergarden is acclaimed as one of the leading venues on the squash circuit. Essex duo Daryl Selby and Peter Barker are earmarked to play and fellow pros Ben Coleman and Richie Fallows could also be in the mix.
Garner added: “We have sold out every ticket, every day for the past five years and we are confident that will happen again in 2015. Spectators know that the players produce top-quality entertainment and the electric atmosphere inside the East Wintergarden always gives the players a buzz and helps to lift their game.”
Canary Wharf fans will be hoping to see Nick Matthew and James Willstrop battle it out again on the glass court.
Both players have four titles to their credit and Matthew, 34, joked after winning this year: “Maybe James and I should come back next year to fight for the fifth title and then hang up our rackets.”
Matthew and Willstrop, 31, have enjoyed a lifelong rivalry with Matthew holding the upper hand with a long winning run against his Yorkshire neighbour.
Willstrop succumbed in straight games in this year’s Canary Wharf final but came close to turning the tables in a magnificent Commonwealth Games final in Glasgow in July. Matthew eventually triumphed in the fifth game of a marathon match lasting 100 minutes.
Garner added: “That was a truly epic clash and brought back memories of their battle in the Canary Wharf semi-final of 2011, when James collapsed with cramp after a match that lasted 127 minutes.”
Canary Wharf MC Alan Thatcher was also on the microphone in Glasgow and he added: “The Commonwealth Games was an outstanding triumph for squash. There were packed crowds every day and the men’s final between Nick and James was a phenomenal contest.
“Considering Nick had a knee operation seven weeks before the Games, and James was suffering from a hip problem which has also required recent surgery, it showed incredible commitment from them both. With live TV coverage on the BBC, the Games really gave squash a massive boost.”
Thatcher is the founder of World Squash Day, which takes place on October 18. He added: “The Games provided a huge surge of enthusiasm for squash’s chances of gaining a deserved place in the Olympic Games. It’s a great time to be involved in this fantastic sport.”
TICKETS: Tickets for the 2015 Canary Wharf Classic cost from £20.00 (£15 U16s/OAPs) and are available from Ticketmaster.
The fabulous East Wintergarden offers superb opportunities for corporate hospitality, with the gallery restaurant offering “the best view of squash anywhere in the world” according to former world champion Peter Nicol.
The qualifying competition takes place at Wimbledon Racquets and Fitness Club over the weekend of March 21-22 with four winners joining the top 12 seeds in the main draw.
Online: www.ticketmaster.co.uk
Ticket Hotline: 0844 8472419
Event website: www.canarywharfsquash.com
Host Sponsor: Canary Wharf Group plc
The Canary Wharf Squash Classic at the East Wintergarden is jointly promoted by Eventis Sports Marketing and SquashUK.
Tournament Dates: March 23-27, 2015
Venue: East Wintergarden, Bank Street, Canary Wharf, E14