Men's Professional Doubles
Professional doubles started in 1938 at The Heights Casino in Brooklyn, NY. It had a viable tour starting in the late 1970s with events located in both the United States and Canada. In 2000, the doubles pro tour rebranded itself with the new name, International Squash Doubles Association (ISDA). It is the governing body responsible for the men’s world professional squash doubles tour and will celebrate its 75th anniversary of professional doubles in 2013.
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Since its inception, the ISDA has continued to experience growth each and every year. Over the past three seasons, with the addition of corporate sponsorship, the ISDA increased its presence across North America while producing its own magazine ‘Doubles or Nothing’, as well as ISDA signature clothing and a custom tour racquet. It has quickly become North America’s largest professional squash tour. In the fall of 2011, the ISDA will be hosting the first event overseas in Scotland.
The 2009-10 season had five tournaments with $40,000 or more in prize money, including the $150,000 Briggs Cup at the Apawamis Club in Rye, New York. The 2010-11 season carried the momentum of that success with 25 events across North America. The ISDA continues its growth and development, reaching out to new cities and future stars each season with the addition of its Challenger Tour.
Top international singles players who have made the successful transition to doubles and their highest PSA ranking:
Chris Walker ENGLAND #4 Martin Heath SCOTLAND #4 Mark Chaloner ENGLAND #7 Paul Price AUSTRALIA #4 Brett Martin AUSTRALIA #4
Women's Professional Doubles
Since the Women’s Doubles Squash Association (WDSA) formed in 2007, it has reached several of its goals. It has increased the number of women playing professional and amateur doubles and encouraged former college players, current teaching professionals and WISPA touring professionals to play.
In addition to the tour growth, with stops throughout the United States and Canada, the WDSA has helped foster and build women’s doubles on the amateur level which has been achieved through pro-am tournaments and Under 30 events at local clubs.
The WDSA, corporate partners, patrons and membership have established relationships with local charities throughout the United States – City Squash, METRO squash, Mile High Squash and Squash Haven – all urban squash programs.
Top international female singles players who have made the successful transition to doubles and their highest WISPA ranking:
Natalie Grainger USA #1 Narelle Krizek AUSTRALIA #23 Suzie Pierrepont ENGLAND #23 Amanda Sobhy USA #17 (World Junior Champion)