The way to the top

Thirteen years to

reach the stars

The most complete

preparation in the modern

era for hosting and

promoting the PSA World

Open has to be the route

taken by Robert Decant

& Luc Mattens of Antwerp,

Belgium.

High flyers in the commercial corridors of Esso Benelux ~ they shared a close friendship with a mutual love of squash. Enthusiastic more than gifted would describe their on court battles and after match indulgences!!

It was in 1990 that they were to plant the seeds to a remarkable growth in the world of professional squash. That was the year that they combined their professional expertise and started what was to be the biggest Amateur event for all levels in the country. Their massive personalities and organisational skills far exceeded their on court talents. The tournament was a wonderful success and continued to grow on an annual basis until 1995 when following another successful amateur event they felt they needed another challenge. PSA was the answer to that challenge.

1996 marked the start of their relationship with PSA when they included a $5,000 event to run side by side with the established amateur tournament that now drew players from all over the Continent.

From here they continued to grow. 1997 saw the prize fund reach $14,000 US and the involvement of Robert Edwards, the PSA World Tour Technical Director to present their PSA tournament on a professional basis. At this time they started to sell hospitality packages so successfully that were sold out on a nightly basis – this guaranteed packed audiences to watch the ever rising quality of players on the show court. No tournament detail was overlooked. The squash was given a show atmosphere with singers and dancers etc. setting the scene and warming an enthusiastic audience.

Luc and Robert took on the lease to the Scottish Perspex court known as the Thunderdome. They offered it as a rental to other prospective promoters - yet another rung on their squash ladder.

1998 & 1999 saw the prize money rise to $21,000 & $35,000 US respectively. The sponsorship and the corporate side grew at the same rate and resulted in a further rise to Super Series Silver Events in 2000 & 2001 and yet more success with the growth. The Antwerp dates on the PSA calendar were by now one of the most popular with the players.

Antwerp was truly on the squash map ~ where could this ambitious duo go from here? The answer was the ultimate squash event, The PSA World Open. Robert & Luc had by this time left Esso Benolux to start their own business. From this new power base they had applied for the rights to the biggest and most prestigious squash show on the world calendar.

Granted the 2002 World Open by PSA Robert, Luc and their ever increasing “A” Team went for gold & hit the target with a glorious finale to their promotional careers.

History tells us that the event was a stunning success both commercially and visually. Packed audiences - sell out dinners for 300 guests a night – television coverage Nationally and Internationally – a venue to die for and the cherry on the cake ... David Palmer, based locally & John White playing out one of the most emotional and best finals ever to bring the final curtain down. Five games that drew a standing ovation that also included Robert & Luc. Tears of joy were shed in abundance at the Presentation Ceremony & then on to that final party!!

Thirteen years of successful growth – from the bottom to the top in style. Robert Decant and Luc Mattens are probably still partying - long may they smile. As players they were never ranked but as promoters they were top drawer.