One of the greatest sporting events in the history of Bermuda is set to get under way on Sunday when Premier Ewart Brown officially declares the Endurance World Open Bermuda 2007 Squash Championships open.

Bermuda will become the focus of attention for squash and sports fans around the globe as we host the biggest and most prestigious event on the squash World Tour.

Last years World Open was held under the historic Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, but BSRA organisers are confident that their choice of venue for this year's World Open, at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel property on Turtle Hill, overlooking magnificent Horseshoe Bay and picturesque South Shore, will match the Pyramids for it's natural beauty and spectacular views.

A vast team of skilled technicians and dedicated volunteers have laboured for much of the past four weeks to complete a huge purpose-built, see-through stadium. The all-glass court and comfortable theatre-style seating for 1,400 spectators will provide uninterrupted play and clear views, whatever the weather. It is a perfect setting for this premier world championship event.

All professional squash players dream of winning the world title and this year's World Open has attracted all of the world's top professional squash players, with the exception of a handful of injured stars.

They are all eager to compete for the greatest prize in squash, the World Open title, and with valuable world ranking points and a total prize money of $175,000 at stake, these modern-day gladiators are not going to go down without a tremendous fight.

Over 50 of the world's best players, from 33 countries on six continents, are descending on the Island to battle it out for the World Open title. Competition is expected to be extremely fierce in what is considered by many to be the most physically challenging of all sports.

BSRA spokesman Roger Sherratt said: "This will be an unforgettable experience for everyone who comes to watch these iconic players in action. You don't have to be a squash player, or even a sports fan, to enjoy the thrill of being there to witness the incredible atmosphere as they battle it out on court in an awesome setting under the stars. "People are going to talk about this event for years to come so I would strongly advise buying a ticket for the opening night and enjoy a once in a lifetime experience."

The opening ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Sunday with all of the pomp and ceremony a world championship event demands, complete with an appearance by the Drum Corps of the Bermuda Regiment Band, and Hamilton's Town Cryer. The first match on court will feature the world's number one ranked player, Amr Shabana of Egypt, followed by the match between Bermuda's wild-card entry, James Stout, and the world number 15 Stewart Boswell of Australia. Spectators are welcome to cheer for James and Bermuda as he takes on one of the world's best.

Four matches are scheduled for each night from Sunday through to the semi-finals night on Friday, November 30. Each session starts at 6 p.m. and doors open at 4.30 p.m.

The final will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 1 and will include a performance by the Gombeys and other surprises. This is the night when a new World Open squash champion will be crowned right here in Bermuda - an event not to be missed.

There is an impressive hospitality tent on site, complete with food, beverages, a fully licensed bar and event merchandise. Parking is available at Horseshoe Bay Park with a free shuttle service provided by the Fairmont Southampton trolley.

Tickets are avilable online at boxoffice.bm or from Gateway Systems on Queen Street, Hamilton.