The British Open – one of the most prestigious and historic tournaments in professional squash – will be held in Birmingham for the first time in over two decades between April 9-16 2023.
The PSA World Tour Platinum tournament – known as the Wimbledon of Squash – will be co-hosted by Edgbaston Priory Club and the Birmingham Rep.
The opening two days of the event will take place at Edgbaston Priory Club, before play moves over to The Rep in the heart of Birmingham city centre, where the action will take place on an all-glass showcourt from round three onwards.
England No.1s Mohamed ElShorbagy and Sarah-Jane Perry will compete for the titles alongside defending champions Paul Coll, of New Zealand, and Hania El Hammamy, of Egypt. A record prize fund of $370,000 will be on offer and will be split equally between the male and female athletes.
As a club we are delighted that the prestigious British Open will be coming back to the city of Birmingham and that we are playing our part by co-hosting the event. This is a fantastic opportunity to further raise the profile of squash and inspire people of all ages and from all communities to try squash.
“We’re excited to move the British Open to Birmingham, a city which has a rich history within the sport,”
said PSA Chief Executive Alex Gough.
“Not only has Birmingham hosted the British Open on five previous occasions – as well as the British Junior Open multiple times – the city also successfully hosted the Commonwealth Games last summer, with thousands of fans flocking to watch the squash. We want to continue this legacy with the latest instalment of the iconic British Open and look forward to working with Birmingham City Council and Edgbaston Priory Club over the coming months to ensure we put on a show to remember.”
Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “We’re delighted to welcome back the British Open to the city – its return is long overdue and adds an another exciting and fast-paced sport to the portfolio of major events we are developing.
“This partnership is further proof of the way in which our Proud Host City status for the Commonwealth Games has shown governing bodies and sporting federations of our ability to deliver well-organised, well-attended, events that are enjoyed by athletes, spectators and officials alike.
“It’s great that the Edgbaston Priory Club and The Rep will be showcased as venues for the Open and this is another opportunity for businesses in the city to boom during our golden decade of opportunity.”
Edgbaston Priory Club is looking forward to working with the PSA, The Rep and Birmingham City Council to create a memorable showcase for the world’s finest players and to enhance the profile of this great sport in our city.
For further information on the British Open, visit the official tournament website or follow the event on Twitter.
Tickets for the 2023 British Open will go on sale on December 21. Squash fans can register their interest here.
Action from the event will be broadcast live on SQUASHTV and on the channels of PSA’s broadcast partners.
