When I returned from Kuwait last
week the first message of congratulations that I received was from
Ziad Al-Turki, the promoter of the Saudi International.
It was typical of Zi to congratulate everyone concerned in securing
such an amazing
three year deal in Kuwait. He was overjoyed to see the profile
of the game rising so dramatically and for the players to be able to
receive the sort of Prize Funds he believes they deserve.
In that vein, over the last 48 hours we have put the final touches
to a five year deal with the PSA. It is the biggest ever
announced and the first ever $1,000,000+ deal.
The Saudi International Squash Tournament will be;
-
2007: Super Series
Platinum
with Elevated Star
Status
$182,500
-
2008: Super Series
Platinum
with Elevated Star
Status
$182,500
-
2009: Super Series
Platinum
with Elevated Star
Status
$182,500
-
2010: PSA WORLD OPEN
with Elevated Star
Status
$322,500
-
2011: Super Series
Platinum
with Elevated Star
Status
$182,500
AN AMAZING TOTAL PRIZE FUND OF
US $1,052,500
After more than 20 years involvement
in the professional game I can tell you that there has never been a
more dramatic week in the history of PSA.
Ever since we first met I have been impressed by the honesty and
self effacement of Ziad Al-Turki - the man.
 He
and his entire family are squash fanatics – he even has a court in
his home in Saudi. At the recent Saudi International his delightful
wife Anastasia & his young daughter Sharifa sat
through every match in the seat next to my commentary position
listening to every word and watching every shot. His son Abdul
Rahman (Duman) was off with his new found friends & heroes - the
players.
Ziad was courtside from the start of play to close. He looked after
the Royal guests, the VIPs and the players with equal care &
attention to detail. Even his father Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al Turki,
the Chairman of the ATCO Group of Companies was there for
most sessions.
I did manage to present him with the latest Dunlop racket - so you
never know I may have my own practice partner in the future!! Yes,
they are a family who love their squash - both as players and
aficionados.
In Ziad I have found a man who shares my passion for the game. This
passion, together with his love of Saudi Arabia has been the fuel
that has driven this remarkable achievement. It is to his credit
that he does this totally without a thought of personal gain – all
profits are donated by the tournament to a handicap charity within
Saudi Arabia. The Rehabilitation Society of the Eastern Province
has been the grateful recipient over the last two tournaments.
He is an international figure who is equally at home in the Middle
East as he would be in London, New York or Paris. He is a giant in
the commercial world who finds time for his family and his country,
and he is very proud of both.
This announcement has raised the bar and I can almost hear Ziad
chuckling with delight.
As his Tournament Director I can tell you that he is dedicated to
making squash a major sport in every sense of the word. He is
looking at improving everything, from the Television Production to
the Presentation.
 Congratulations
Ziad for what you have done for our sport – when they look back on
the game of Squash fifty years from now - Ziad Al-Turki of Saudi
Arabia will be spoken of with reverence by sports supporters
worldwide.
Tournament Director &
PSA World Tour Technical Director
(The Voice of Squash) |
