2006 CB Richard Ellis Investors Squash Open

The Los Angeles Athletic Club has confirmed the appearance of four of the top five currently ranked women squash players in the world to play in competition over the January 27-29, 2006 weekend. Event proceeds will benefit Wishful Thinking, a Los Angeles based non-profit child advocacy organization serving the needs of at-risk, low-income, abused, neglected and abandoned foster youth from greater L.A.

The 2006 CB Richard Ellis Investors California Squash Open Championships, co-sponsored by Feather Sports, USA and JIVAGO International Fragrances, will feature a unique competition between four of the top-five ranked women players, competing in a six-match round-robin format over the three days. The event will also play host to a full compliment of men’s and women’s open and amateur divisions, with players from the entire West Coast expected to attend.

The following five women professionals confirmed, from-which four will be chosen, include: 

Rachael Grinham, current World #1 from Australia, is residing in Egypt. Now 29, Rachel began playing squash at age 3 and was the 1993 World Junior Champion; 2003 British Open Champion; 2005 Hedonism, Qatar, Hurghanda and PMI Open Champion. Rachel likes movies, the beach and fishing in her leisure time.

Vanessa Atkinson, current World #2 from England, is residing in The Hague, Netherlands. Now 30, Vanessa began playing squash at age 10 and was the 2004 Qatar, Brunei and World Open Champion. In 2005, she won both New York’s Tournament of Champions and the Texas Open. Vanessa enjoys reading and music when not on the court.

Nicol David, current World #3 from Malaysia, is residing in Amsterdam. Now 22, Nicol began playing at age 5 and was the 1999/2001 World Junior Champion and in 2005, won the Kuwait, Dutch, Malaysian, British Open and most recently, The Carol Weymuller Championships in New York. In addition, she was the 2004 Athens Olympic-Games torchbearer and was made a goodwill ambassador to the United Nations. Nicol enjoys outdoor activities and shopping when not training or playing squash.

Natalie Grinham, current World #4 from Australia, is residing in the Netherlands. Now 27, is the former U13 and U19 Australian Champion, the 2003 Marsh McLennen-Apawamis and Forbes Open Champion and winner of the 2003 - 2004 Dutch Opens. She also won the 2004 Women’s World Doubles title with her elder sister Rachel.

Natalie Grainger, current World #5 from South Africa, is now residing in Washington, D.C. Now 28, began playing at the tender age of 2 ½. Natalie, former world #1 and current U.S. Women’s Junior Team Assistant Coach, has won every age-group title in her home country; the 2003 Qatar; the 2004 U.S. Open and the 2005 Vassar and EBG Championship titles. Natalie likes playing golf, wine and reading historical novels when not coaching, training or playing.

Further information on the tournament may be obtained by contacting Bob Hanscom, LAAC Squash Professional at (213)-630-5238 or e-mailing Bob.Hanscom@laac.net. For information on

Wishful Thinking, contact Michael Ludin at (213)-747-8821 or go to www.4wishfulthinking.org.