The Costa Rica Tennis Club in San José will play host to the first Costa Rica Squash Open tournament Sept. 8 to 11. Sixteen Costa Rican and international squash players will compete for a chance at their share of $6,750 in prize money. Among them will be Canadian Robin Clarke, ranked 71st in the world, and Mexican Jorge Baltazar, ranked 91st. Also playing is Costa Rica's top squash player, Andrés Echeverría.

Currently, 11 of the 16 competitor positions are filled. Hopefuls will compete to qualify for the remaining five positions during elimination matches Sept. 6 and 7.

Traditionally, the Costa Rica Tennis Club hosts the annual Independencia Squash Tournament, an event in which Costa Rican and international players of all skill levels compete in 14 categories, including women's divisions. The Independencia tournament will begin Sept. 6, running simultaneously with the Costa Rica Squash Open.

Despite the sport's 25-year history in Costa Rica, this is the first time a tournament endorsed by the Professional Squash Association will be held here.

“The objective is to put Costa Rican squash on the international map,” said Carlos Schonenberg, squash coach at the Costa Rica Tennis Club.

Events will start at 9 a.m. and end at 10 p.m. every day of the tournament. Spectator entrance to the tournament is free, although space is limited.