Defending Champions Ali Farag and Nele Coll will return to defend their titles at the VITAGEN Singapore Squash Open 2024. PHOTOS: Singapore Squash
The VITAGEN Singapore Squash Open will take place at the OCBC Arena from 19 to 24 November 2024.
The Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour Gold event will showcase 48 of the world’s top men’s and women’s squash players, including defending champions, top-ranked stars and Singapore’s brightest talents.
Leading the men’s competition, world No. 1 Ali Farag returns to defend his 2023 title.
The four-time World Champion shared his excitement ahead of the tournament: “Singapore holds a special place for me after last year’s win, and I’m looking forward to defending my title in front of the fans. The competition will be fierce once again, but I’m ready for the challenge.”
Other top 10 stars competing in the men’s draw are 2022 Commonwealth Games champion Paul Coll (world No. 3) and reigning World Champion Diego Elias (world No. 4).
The women’s draw is led by world No. 3 Hania El Hammamy who will be competing in the VITAGEN Singapore Squash Open for the first time.
She expressed her excitement: “I’ve heard great things about the atmosphere and competition in Singapore, and I’m thrilled to be making my debut at this prestigious event. I’m looking forward to some tough matches and giving my best performance on the court.”
Also debuting in the tournament is young Egyptian star Amina Orfi, a three-time World Junior Champion who successfully defended her crown earlier this year.
Ali Farag and Diego Elias during last year’s VITAGEN Singapore Squash Open.
Defending champion and world No. 5 Nele Coll will once again take to the court alongside her sister and last year’s finalist Tinne Gilis (world No. 7).
Coll is looking forward to the challenge and said: “Winning last year in Singapore was an incredible experience, and I’m excited to return and defend my title. The atmosphere here is always great, and I know the competition will be tough, but I’m ready to give it my all and hopefully lift the trophy once again.”
In an exciting development, this year’s tournament will feature four wildcard entries (up from two), offering Singapore’s top talents a chance to compete on the global stage. Among the local contenders are eight-time national champion Samuel Kang and seven-time national champion Au Yeong Wai Yhann.
Debutants Jerome Aw and Cassandra Ong will also make their first appearance. Aw said: “It’s an honour to play in such a prestigious event, and I’m excited to face off against the world’s best in front of my family and friends. I hope this experience will inspire more local players to pursue squash at the highest level.”
Ong, who played on the Stanford Women’s Varsity team, is also eager to take on the challenge: “I’m excited and honoured to be competing at this top level in my home country, Singapore. While expecting challenges, I’m ready to give my best performance!”
With a total prize pool of US$220,000, the VITAGEN Singapore Squash Open continues to establish itself as a major fixture on the international squash calendar.
Nele Coll and Tinnie Gilis during the finals of the VITAGEN Singapore Squash Open 2023.
Patrick Thio, President of the Singapore Squash Rackets Association, said: “The VITAGEN Singapore Squash Open has quickly become one of the most anticipated events on the global squash circuit, and we’re honoured to host such a talented field in Singapore for the third consecutive year. As we approach the 2028 Olympics, we are proud to provide platforms like the VITAGEN Singapore Squash Open, where athletes can compete at the highest level and prepare for what will be a groundbreaking Olympic debut for our sport.”
He added: “Since the inception of this event, our goal has been to elevate the profile of squash in Singapore and foster a stronger connection with the sport. Watching players like Jerome, Cassandra, Samuel, and Wai Yhann take on the world’s best is a testament to the growth of squash in our community. It’s about more than competition – it’s about inspiring the next generation of athletes and ensuring that Singapore continues to play a part in the global development of squash.”
Tickets for the VITAGEN Singapore Squash Open 2024 are now available at SISTIC: https://www.sistic.com.sg/events/squash1124, where fans can expect six days of thrilling squash action as the world’s best converge in Singapore.
