Press Release, 24 August 2006

  A top sporting extravaganza in the heart of HK:
" Cathay Pacific Swiss Privilege Hong Kong Squash Open 2006"

Hong Kong Squash is most delighted to announce the title sponsorships of Cathay Pacific Airways Limited and Swiss Privilege Limited of the Hong Kong Squash Open, one of the most prestigious events in the calendar of first-class men and women professionals.

The “Cathay Pacific Swiss Privilege Hong Kong Squash Open 2006” has adopted the innovative format of combining the women's and men's tournaments in a single event organized by Hong Kong Squash which will be staged at the Hong Kong Squash Centre and Plaza Hollywood from 16 to 22 October 2006, following the great success in last year's World Open held in Hong Kong.

Sanctioned by the Women's International Squash Players Association (WISPA) and the Professional Squash Association (PSA), this Hong Kong Open will be highly popular with both local and international squash supporters. It is expected to attract a large contingent of players, coaches, families, friends and international media to Hong Kong from all over the world.

The semi-finals and finals will be staged at the brand-new all-glass portable clear-view squash court at the Plaza Hollywood, Diamond Hill, Kowloon for the first time under the shopping paradise. Competitors will vie for total HK$1.6 million in prize money and we are confident that all players ranked within the world's Top 30 will take part in this special edition.

‘Special thanks to Cathay Pacific and Swiss Privilege who have enthusiastically worked together with us over many years, their support has contributed greatly to our success. I would also like to thank The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for its most generous donation of this new portable glass court and our co-sponsors: Crocodile, Fotomax, Prince, Perrier, TVB and Commercial Radio, ‘ said Mr. David Mui, Chairman of Hong Kong Squash.  ‘We are confident that we will attract all the world top players including our own Rebecca Chiu and Wong Wai Hang, who both will, I am sure, have the full support of the home crowd.'

Mr. Charlie Stewart-Cox, General Manager, Marketing of Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. said: 'Cathay Pacific has sponsored the Hong Kong Squash Open for the past 20 years and we are pleased to be co-sponsoring the event with Swiss Privilege once again in 2006 . As the home carrier of Hong Kong , we are always keen to stage world-class sports events in the city for the benefit of local spectators and overseas alike.'

“The facilities and setting at the Star Atrium, Plaza Hollywood are spectacular and will provide the tournament with an ideal venue. The success of the 2003 and 2005 World Opens, which were both staged at Hong Kong Squash Centre and the Piazza of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, gives me considerable confidence for this years event. Prize levels will be increased from those of 2003 to ensure that we again attract the world's very best players and hopefully announcing the event so far in advance demonstrates our commitment and investment in the tournament,” added Mr. Ken Lam, Vice president, Marketing of Swiss Privilege Limited.