Squash: Glasss-court problems rebound on organisers

By JULIE ASH

New Zealand has missed hosting a $135,000 tournament as part of the new international Grand Prix for women.

The New Zealand round of the circuit had been planned from October 22 to 28, immediately after the Melbourne Open.

But that would have involved importing and assembling a seven-tonne portable glass court to meet the Grand Prix requirements.

Former Squash New Zealand chairman Neven Barbour said there were no all-glass courts in New Zealand.

The plan had been to bring over the Melbourne court if it could be shipped to New Zealand and set up at Auckland's Viaduct Harbour in time for the start.

But the Grand Prix promoters, England's Eye Group, canned the New Zealand round because shipping the structure would take at least 10 days.

Although disappointed to have missed out, Barbour said Squash New Zealand were confident of hosting a tournament in the future.

"The Eye Group are keen to hold an event in New Zealand, so we will be keeping in close contact with them," he said.

"It was just the dates and logistics of getting the court here which let us down this time."

The Eye Group are looking at basing a portable glass court in Australia, and using it in New Zealand and Malaysia.

The all-glass structure means spectators can sit around the court. It also allows for easier television coverage.

The Grand Prix circuit involves the world's top 32 players, who will compete in a series of tournaments plus a final.

The circuit started with the British Open. The next event is the Hong Kong Open next month, but the remaining tournaments have yet to be confirmed.