Local squash enthusiasts are in for a treat next month when the first professional women’s tournament will be played at the Malta Union Club between December 13 and 15.

The Harrow Mediterranean Open is sanctioned by the Women’s Squash Associa-tion (WSA) and will see the participation of various interesting players coming from different parts of the globe including Austria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Scotland, Poland, Argentina, South Africa and the United States.

“The Women’s Squash Association is delighted to have Malta join the professional tour,” Anneli MacDonald, WSA Tour Director, said in a statement.

“We know Malta have some promising and talented players and we’re also sure that the first Mediterranean Open in December will be an excellent addition to the women’s profes-sional tour.”

Czech player Lucie Fialova, ranked no.40 in the world list, will be the tournament’s top seed and is set to face a tough challenge from South Africa’s no.1 player Siyoli Waters.

Malta, too, will have its own representatives in the tournament as teen Colette Sultana has been awarded a wild card to the main draw.

This will be an ideal opportunity for Sultana to add more valuable experience to her reper-toire on the international scene.

National team duo Theresa Brousson and Johanna Rizzo were included in the qualifying phase of the Mediterranean Open.

The first matches from the main draw will be played on December 14 with the final scheduled for the following day at 5.30 p.m.

Meanwhile, Malta’s top man player Bradley Hindle Deguara said the women’s Medi-terranean Open was a fantastic opportunity to promote squash and sport in general on our shores.

“The Maltese community have a great sporting attitude and this is a big step to get more people, especially juniors, exposed to international competition on our doorstep.”

Kunsill Malti għall-Isport and Malta Union Club will be assisting the organisers in hosting the tournament.