Allam British Open to make history with equal prize money

The Allam British Open will open another important chapter in its illustrious history in 2017 when it becomes the first PSA World Series event in Europe to offer equal prize-money.

The tournament is the oldest event in professional squash and has been held since the 1920's but this will mark the first time in its history that men and women will compete on level terms with $150,000 prize money on offer in both draws.

This year’s event will be co-promoted between England Squash and the Professional Squash Association with the support of title sponsor Dr Assem Allam. Over 120 of the best male and female players from around the world will compete at the Airco Arena, Hull from March 19^th to March 26^th 2017. England’s top players Nick Matthew and Laura Massaro have both already committed to play in the tournament known as ‘the Wimbledon of squash’.

Dr Allam has supported equal prize-money since he first helped put the competition back on the international squash calendar in 2012. The tournament is being played in Allam’s home city of Hull for the fifth year running and is one of many major international events being held in the city this year as it celebrates being 2017 European City of Culture.

“Dr Allam’s support for the British Open has been fantastic and, together with the PSA, I’m delighted that we’ve been able to work together to take this really important step forward,” commented England Squash CEO Keir Worth.

"We’re extremely proud that the 2017 Allam British Open is going to be a showcase for equality in sport as well as for world-class squash.”

Steve Forster commented, “On behalf of Dr Allam and the Allam family, we are honoured to continue our sponsorship of the event and we are proud that our legacy of the event is that men and women will be rewarded equally. Dr Allam believes that this sets the bar for other tournaments around the world.”

Massaro, currently world ranked No.4, became the first British woman in 22 years to win the tournament when she became Allam British Open champion in 2013 and has been vocal in her support for equality in sport. She welcomed the move to prize-money parity. “The Allam British Open is such a special tournament for squash so having equal prize-money is fantastic for the tournament and for our sport,” said Massaro. “I can’t wait to get to Hull and compete for the trophy in front of my home crowd.”

Professional Squash Association Chief Executive Alex Gough said; "Across the PSA World Tour we have made great strides towards increasing gender equality over the past two years and today's announcement further underlines our commitment to achieving parity.

"Since the U.S. Open became the first major PSA World Series tournament to achieve parity in 2013, we have been steadily working towards levelling the playing field between men and women. To see the British Open join the U.S. Open, Windy City Open, Tournament of Champions and PSA World Series Finals in offering equal prize money is a great moment for the sport.

"With the 2017 Men's and Women's World Championships, taking place in Manchester, also committing to equal prize money, we hope these steps will also demonstrate to young girls and aspiring players who want a career in sport that squash offers a genuine opportunity to compete and earn on a level playing field with men."

Keep an eye on the England Squash and PSA websites for news on tickets in January.