Amr Shabana, the former squash world champion and world number one, has said he is excited to be returning to Bermuda for the Randall & Quilter Legends of Squash event.

The talented left-hander from Cairo, who won the last of his world titles on the island in 2007, retired in August last year, just after playing a sellout exhibition match against Miguel Rodriguez in Bermuda.

The final rallies of the game were recorded by a local fan, and went viral, being viewed on the Bermuda Squash Racquet Association’s Facebook page more than 100,000 times.

Shabana now works with Egypt’s top players in his role as the country’s high performance coach, and the nation has five of the world’s top ten women, and six of world’s top ten men.

“I always love coming to Bermuda,” Shabana said. “I have so many special memories of winning the world title and the PSA Masters here, enjoying the island and the weather and also the great crowds we always get here.

“It’s great to look at the schedule and see matches against my old rivals on again. I have John White on the opening night which is always a great match! I’m still fit and healthy. I’m enjoying my squash and looking forward to Bermuda immensely.”

During a sparkling career Shabana won 33 PSA World Tour events from 45 finals. These wins included four world titles, one British Open, two US Open titles and four Hong Kong Classic wins. Shabana was also ranked number one in the world for 33 consecutive months between 2006 and 2009.

As well as Shabana, the Randall & Quilter Legends of Squash event features five other former world number ones, with David Palmer, Thierry Lincou, White, Lee Beachill and Jonathon Power also competing in the April 13 to 16 tournament.

Tickets for the event are still available from Bermuda Squash and Fitness Club at 292-6881.