The BVI Open Squash Tournament starts at the Tortola Sports Club on Thursday with the qualifying rounds. The BVI's number one, Joe Chapman plays Friday at 10.30 a.m. Photo: Mark Chapman

Joe Chapman, who will be in just his second Professional Squash Association Tour Event, kicks off his campaign on Friday July 22, against Englishman Robert Downer, who is ranked number 2 in the Tournament.

“We have the 19 foreigners coming from around the world to play in this PSA World Open tournament, all with world rankings between 150 and 400,” commented Event Promoter, Mark Chapman.

Into that mix are eight local players from the BVI vying to reach the first round proper by taking part in the qualifying rounds on Thursday. . Those entered seeking just one of three qualifying spots include the Governor Boyd McCleary, Dion Anselm, Mike Adamson, Neville Sorrentino, Paul Norris, Richard Taylor, Rupert Dean and Tom Chapman.

Already in the main draw apart from Downer and Chapman are Adam Murrills (ranked #1, UK), Josh Cardwell (Aus), Johan Bouquet (Fr), Michael McCue, (Ca), James Skiffington (NZ), Sergio Lopez (Me), Armando Olguin (Me), Salvador Martinez (Me), Ryan Thompson ( Namibia), Bryan Bonilla (Guatemala), Micah Franklin (Be), Chris Binnie (Ja), Colin Ramasra (TnT), Shahzad Khan (Pa), Sodiq Taiwo (Nigeria), Josue Enriquez (Guatemala), Yanzi Ibrahim (Uganda) and Victor Ramirez (Me).

The Qualification Draw games start Thursday on Courts 1, 2, 3 and 4 from 10.30 a.m. and 11.15 a.m., with Round 2 on Courts 3 & 4 from 6.00 pm.

The first round proper starts on Friday with the Chapman/Downer game on Court one at 10.30 a.m. Round 2 starts on Courts 3 & 4 at 6.00 p.m.

On Saturday June 23, the semi finals will be played at 12 noon with the Final slated for 6.00 p.m.