Meet to open in Olympic style

AN OLYMPIC style opening awaits the 29th Penang-CIMB Women’s World Championship tomorrow.

Some 3,400 participants from different nationalities are set to take part in the ‘Torch Run & Bike’ event which will be held at the Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre (sPICE) in Relau.

The participants will have the privilege of passing the torch throughout the race as a symbol of uniting the fans together, much like the actual Olympics torch relay.

The torch will then be handed over to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and later to squash ace Datuk Nicol David, who will used it to launch the games.

The opening ceremony will start with a live band from 6.30pm onwards.

Among the highlights of the opening ceremony are a 3D projection mapping on the newly refurbished sPICE building. Rock climbing experts will also entertain the crowd with a ‘Vertical Walkway’ performance.

The games will then kick off with a grand fireworks display followed by a speech by Lim.

[ A grand fireworks display is set to mesmerise guests at the opening ceremony tomorrow.]

The first round of the matches, feature Nicol, will then proceed at the all-glass showcourt in sPICE arena while the finals will be on Sunday.

Prior to this, qualifying matches have started at the Nicol David International Squash Centre in Bukit Dumbar featuring a 64-qualifying draw from March 15 to 18.

While it’s free entrance for the opening ceremony, tickets to watch the tournaments are available for purchase daily at the Nicol David International Squash Centre. The tickets are priced at RM5 and RM10, with the funds to be channelled towards the Penang Junior Squash Development Programme.

There will also be a carnival-like atmosphere at the premises from 1pm to 8pm daily including a showcase of extensive properties and sponsor booths.

CIMB group is the championship title sponsor and Eastin Hotel Penang the official hotel sponsor for the championship.

The Star is the official media for this year’s women’s squash association premier event which offers US$120,000 (RM390,000) in prize money.

For more information on the tournament and opening ceremony, visit www.simplythebest.my or www.facebook.com/simplythebest.my.