February 5, 2003

5 TIME WORLD CHAMPION AND SQUASH WORLD NUMBER ONE RANKED WOMEN SARAH FITZ-GERALD CONFIRMED TO PLAY IN VERNON, B.C.

Sherman Dahl, Tournament Director, is pleased to announce confirmed entries into the elite open division for 2003 at the National Bank Financial Winter Carnival Open Squash Tournament February 21-23, 2003.

In addition to Sarah Fitz-Gerald who will play in the mens open division the tournament committee is pleased to confirm Andrew Lynn of Vancouver. Andrew is ranked number one in B.C. and number two in Canada. Other confirmed entries include: Jeff Boag (BC) #3 BC, Bob Ballinger (ALBERTA) #7 Alta, and Chris Harley (BC) #7BC. Other confirmations will be announced in the next week.

More on World Number one Sarah Fitz-Gerald can be found at her website sarahfitz-gerald.com

The Men's open draw has always been a major attraction for the Vernon Tournament. This will be the fifth year that Vernon will host one of the best open draws in Western Canada. The total prize pool is $3,000. The main corporate sponsors are: National Bank Financial, Raven Traders, Hattori & Shaw Lawyers, 7-Eleven Stores, Royal Lepage and Advertising Works.

The tournament is a 3-day event featuring a full range of squash levels with the finals on Sunday.

The 2003 tournament is also going to feature an exhibition match and wine & cheese with Sarah Fitz-Gerald and Bob Ballinger on Thursday, Feb 20, 2003 in the evening at Rosters. Tickets will be available by calling Rosters at 250 549-0444.

For further information contact Sherman Dahl at 250 260-4585 or toll free at 1-866-992-8822 or e-mail - sherman.dahl@nbf.ca