BBC to screen English Open action

The BBC is to televise this year's English Open Squash Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

Taking place from 15-19 August, the Open has been upgraded to a five-star PSA Tour event and is expected to attract its strongest-ever field.

Open director Tim Garner said: "We're delighted this year's event has secured BBC coverage for the first time."

Grandstand deputy editor Michael Cole said: "We're really pleased to be able to feature the English Open."

With its first-ever $50,000 prize fund, Garner is confident the majority of the world's top ten players will compete at the Open.

England's Peter Nicol, who won two Commonwealth golds earlier this year, returns to defend his crown.

If he wins, it will mark the 50th PSA Tour title of his career. Highlights are scheduled to feature in Sunday Grandstand on 20 August.