Cayman’s squash profile has risen spectacularly on the international circuit recently and with its next major event approaching, at Camana Bay in a couple of months, that burgeoning reputation will go up a couple more notches, writes Journal journalist Ron Shillingford.
In case Cayman’s squash scene did not make a big enough impact in 2009, just watch how its meteoric rise continues this year.
Preparations are going well for the Cayman Open from 11-17 April where prize money will total at least US$38,100. Organised by Dan Kneipp, coach and club manager at the Squash Club in South Sound, it promises to be another terrific event and solidify Cayman’s kudos as the Caribbean’s top squash country.
Last year the inaugural Cayman Open attracted some of the world’s top women players, including the No.1 Nicol David who defeated the world’s No.2 Natalie Grainger in the final. David even extended her stay to enjoy the sights, including Stingray City.
Cayman’s Marlene West will be the top local talent in the Cayman Open, which was so successful that a few months later when Trinidad pulled out of staging the Caribbean Championships because of swine flu, Cayman stepped in on short notice and hosted that too to high acclaim.
Kneipp said: “We're on track with the Cayman Open to host one of squash’s premium sporting events. We've also secured the rights to the 2012 World Open. One of the conditions of this is hosting a successful 2010 tournament so it's even more important that this year's event is a roaring success.”
Twenty-eight top female professional players will compete in the Cayman Open in a specially built glass arena. Last year they had 17 players from different nations and seven of the Top 10 females in the world.
“We're expecting the same calibre of field this year, but we still haven't finalised all of our sponsors, and the value of the event's prize money determines how strong the field is,” said Kneipp.
“The men's event will be eight of the top Caribbean men vying for the title of Cayman Open Champion.
“The glass court is being shipped down from Canada and will sit on The Crescent, with seating going back towards the North Sound. There will be seating for around 300, but there will also be free viewing areas around the court, meaning anyone can come down to Camana Bay and watch for free.”
Sponsorship has been strong considering the economic climate. The main sponsors are Camana Bay, BDO, Cedrus Investment, Sunshine Suites, Cayman Financial Review and Massive.
“We're still finalising all of our major sponsors as we're looking for two more,” said Kneipp who is pleased with the response so far.
“The international feedback on the calibre of events that Cayman is organising couldn't be more positive. The women's pro squash tour described our 2009 event as the best debut tournament ever.
“The Caribbean Championships was unanimously declared the best event ever. The greatest praise that we've had is securing the 2012 World Open, after just one major event on the pro tour. This couldn't be a better compliment for how good a job they think we're doing.
“The value to Cayman’s economy will be over $7 million worth of sports tourism, marketing, exposure and TV coverage. The Cayman Open will generate $2.5m.”
The international media clamoured to cover last year’s events, which has built up a nice momentum for this one. Even Vanity Fair turned up for the Cayman Open out of curiosity.
Kneipp added: “The media outlets will be determined by our total sponsorship, as we're aiming to get a TV production crew down from Canada. If we can get this it will ensure the event is telecast on SKY TV and the Tennis Channel. We already have extensive Cayman coverage through the Cayman Financial Review and Cayman27.”