Top squash star to play exhibition match at Birmingham university

England’s Sarah-Jane Perry, the world No. 7 squash player, hopes to inspire the sport’s next generation when she competes in a star-studded exhibition evening at the Dunlop British Junior Open tomorrow.

Perry will play rising star Millie Tomlinson on the all-glass show court at the new University of
Birmingham Sport & Fitness’s Munrow Arena, which will also feature triple world champion Nick
Matthew taking on Declan James.

The two matches will kick off the British Junior Open from January 3-7, which features over 650
players and is regarded as one of the most prestigious junior competitions in world squash.

The scale of the event – which will be held in Birmingham for the next three years – requires the use of four venues: Edgbaston Priory Club, University of Birmingham, Solihull Arden Club and West Warwickshire Club.

“The BJO is such a prestigious event and I was delighted to hear Birmingham will be its home for the next three years,” said Perry.

“I’m really looking forward to being part of the opening evening and hopefully we can put on a good show and provide some inspiration to the next generation of young squash players.

“It will be great preparation for me as shortly afterwards I fly out to Saudi Arabia for a World Series event, a first for women’s squash.”

Perry’s participation at the exhibition night will also have an emotional tag following Birmingham’s successful bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games, for which the University will host both squash and hockey.

“I was born in Birmingham and have lived there, or nearby, since so it will be an extra special games for me,” she added.

“A lot of regeneration has gone on in the city in recent years and this will push that on further, cementing Birmingham’s place as second city.

“To win a medal in my home city would without a doubt be an absolute dream come true.”

The University of Birmingham is currently ranked in the top ten universities for sport in the UK.

University of Birmingham Sport & Fitness opened in May 2017, it features Birmingham’s first 50m pool, six glass back squash courts, 200+ station gym, five activity studios, an indoor sports arena, 10m climbing wall and more. The outdoor developments include a new athletics track, two synthetic hockey pitches, a 3G rugby/football pitch and 10 netball and tennis courts, due for completion this year.

For information and tickets to the : www.sportandfitness.bham.ac.uk/events/