“SPECTACULAR” is the only word to describe the site of the 2007 Endurance World Squash Open.Yesterday at the official launch of the most prestigious event on the squash calendar, it was announced that an “iconic glass court with comfortable theatre-style seating along with giant screens, music and lights” would be built at the Fairmont Southampton Princess Hotel which would provide spectators in Bermuda — and around the world — with stunning views over Horseshoe Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Premier Ewart Brown said yesterday at the launch of the Open — to be played in November — that the tournament is yet another of world-class sporting events to be held in Bermuda.

Ross Triffitt, the Tournament Director, said the Open “will bring the finest players from around the world to compete in what will be one of the most spectacular venues in the history of the sport”.

He said: “The venue is right here at the Fairmont Southampton Princess, at Turtle Hill where the tennis courts are now located, and will provide stunning views of Horseshoe Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

“The whole area will be covered in state-of-the-art, clear (see-through) tents providing both uninterrupted play whatever the weather, along with beautiful views of the South Shore. Matches will be played in the evenings and we can guarantee all of our local spectators a unique experience — the best squash in the world being contested at an absolutely spectacular location.”Triffitt added: “The event will draw extensive media coverage, including presence from Reuters, CNN, BBC World, NBC News, Fox Australia, and Orbit ESPN, with TV coverage expected to reach up to 2.1 billion spectators worldwide.”

The event is the culmination of one of the largest contracts in the history of the sport, signed between the PSA and Bermuda. “For the past two years we have hosted the PSA Masters Squash championships, and this is the final event. The championships will have a main draw of 32, and boasts a total of $175,000 in prize money — the largest amount ever offered in squash,” said Triffitt.

The Tournament Director added that during the Open Bermuda will be also hosting the World Squash Federation Conference and AGM, with upwards of 30 nations expected to be represented.

“Many delegates will also be bringing family members to Bermuda. We will be especially delighted to welcome back the President of the World Squash Federation, the legendary Jahingar Khan, who visited the island during his playing career, and is looking forward to returning in November.”

The title sponsor, Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd., is a Bermuda-based provider of property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, and has supported the sport as host sponsor for major PSA tournaments for the past three years.

PSA World Tour Technical Director — and who is also the legendary “Voice of Squash” — Robert Edwards was delighted upon hearing of the venue for the World Open.

“Rarely can there have been a sporting journey to match the squash trail taking place in Bermuda — a small but beautiful island with the courage and the ability to produce a series of squash events that challenge the best in the history of the game. It is fitting that the culmination of this wonderful sporting endeavour should be to host the ultimate professional squash tournament.

“The eyes of the world will be on Bermuda during this event, when it will prove once again that size does not matter — it’s quality that counts.”

Edwards said he will retire this year and picked the Endurance World Open Bermuda 2007 for his final career appearance.