AJ Bell PSA World Squash Championships scoops Event of the Year at Manchester Sports Awards

The AJ Bell PSA World Squash Championships 2017 has been named Sport Event of the Year at the prestigious Manchester Sports Awards 2018 held on Saturday 27 October at the Hilton Hotel.

The World Championships, hosted by England Squash and delivered in partnership with the Professional Squash Association (PSA), Manchester City Council and UK Sport, were staged at Manchester Central and the National Squash Centre in December 2017 and attracted a world-class field drawing in sell-out crowds.

For the first time ever, the championships achieved parity in prize money, providing a tremendous showcase for equality in sport.

The award was made in recognition of the contribution the event has made to the city in influencing the growth and profile of the sport in Manchester and creating a lasting legacy.

Now in its 10th year, the Awards run by Manchester City Council, recognise the achievements and tireless work put in by hundreds of clubs, schools, community groups, coaches, volunteers and individuals who, together, all contribute to help in making Manchester the country’s leading sporting city.

Councillor Luthfur Rahman, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Schools, Culture and Leisure said: "This award recognises the commitment of England Squash and the PSA to working alongside us to promote squash as a fantastic leisure activity. Providing opportunities to see elite competitors in action at the National Squash Centre is a key part of our efforts to inspire more residents to get involved, get active and take advantage of the world-class facilities available for all here in Manchester."

Commenting on the award, England Squash Chief Executive Officer Keir Worth said:

“This is a fantastic accolade and one that recognises the tremendous commitment and hard work of England Squash, the PSA and Manchester City Council in delivering the first concurrent men’s and women’s World Championships that had parity in prize money. I would like to extend our sincere thanks to title sponsor AJ Bell. We are delighted and proud that the efforts of everyone have been recognised.”

PSA Chief Executive Alex Gough said: "The PSA World Championships is the marquee event on the PSA World Tour and we are delighted to see the tournament recognised with this award. The 2017 instalment was a historic edition, with a record amount of prize money split equally between our male and female athletes, and I would like to thank England Squash, Manchester City Council, AJ Bell and UK Sport for working with us to make the tournament a huge success."