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The Lagos State Squash Association, in partnership with Premier Lotto, the organisers of the 2023 Lagos International Squash Classics, has announced a prize money of $18,000 for the men and women’s categories of the event.
Chairman, Lagos State Squash Association, Tomi Falase, at a press briefing to herald the week-long competition in Lagos on Tuesday, disclosed that the tournament, which holds from May 9 to 13, would go a long way in improving the home-based players.
Players from Germany, France, England, Egypt, France, Hong Kong and Czech Republic will competing alongside the home-based stars.
“This is an exciting moment for us, this is an international event with players across the world competing with Nigerian players. For the men’s category, the prize money is $12,000, while for the women’s category, the prize money is $6,000. Aside this, players will also go home with ranking points. We are excited about this competition coming to fruition and I believe that our players will do well,” Falase said.
Also speaking at the event, Yusuf Durosinlorun, who represented the President, Nigeria Squash Federation, stated, “The benefits of the competition is enormous because there will be a lot of players outside Lagos and Nigeria competing. Another huge benefit is that it is a 200-point ranking tournament, which will also improve our country’s international rankings, and my prayer is that a Nigerian should win the tournament.
“We are lucky to have a wild card from the international body of squash because the draws were not made in Nigeria, but by the Professional Squash Players Association.”
Oluwatoyin Gaffar, the Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission, said the state expected a carnival-like competition when it serves off.
“The Lagos International Squash Classics is unique because it is a ranking tournament recognised by the world body. We are happy because we will be hosting players from across the globe in Lagos alongside our home-based players.
“We will always identify and support this competition because we are always showing interest in the development of sports and at this time around, we will do more,”he said.