This weekend, the centre at Sportcity in Eastlands hosts the Gerrard Grand Prix 2005 tournament - a ranking international event which attracts the best players from around the globe.
The National Squash Centre is a great sporting legacy of the 2002 Commonwealth Games and stands alongside the Manchester Velodrome as a national centre of excellence. In the world of squash, Manchester is firmly on the map.
 | | Holding court: Lee Beachill in action |
The city's reputation for staging world class sports events has never been in doubt. In February, it staged the National Squash Championships 2005 - the men's title being won by former world number one Lee Beachill who also took the Commonwealth gold in Manchester in 2002. And it's also hosting the Dunlop British Open in October. Beach: I love Manchester "I love playing in Manchester," says the three times British champion. “Winning my third national title there, it’s obviously a special place for me," adds the Commonwealth Games gold medallist. "Living as I do in Pontefract, it’s only 45 minutes or so drive from home, which is a huge bonus." The proximity of the venue to Lee’s native West Yorkshire means he’ll be expecting a good following. "It’s a huge advantage," says Lee. "Spending time away from home is one of the worst things for a sports person. In Manchester, I won’t have to stay in a hotel - which is a luxury for me!"
 | | National Squash Centre, Manchester |
Doubtless Lee’s partner, Nicola, will also make the most of a rare North West appearance. The pair have two young children, Ben and Jessica, who are both under seven years old - so Dad can expect plenty of vocal family support. "Mum and Dad also hope to make it at some stage so it could turn out to be a bit of a family outing!" says Lee. "If a few of my fans also manage to make it, who knows? We could have a bit of a do on the cards." Beachill will be hoping for an injury-free competition this time around if he's to challenge for the title: last year, he had to retire on the second day with a torn muscle. The Frenchman Thierry Lincou eventually took the 2004 men's title when he finally overcame John White 11-7 in the fifth game of the final after a marathon 98 minute tussle. | 
