A Finchley squash club is preparing to host a pre-qualifier to one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments.

The Allam British Open, the squash equivalent of Wimbledon, begins this weekend and Finchley Manor, in Lyndhurst Gardens, has been chosen to host one of the early rounds.

The public is invited to come and watch some of world’s best players on show, as they battle it out to take part in the tournament proper, hosted at the O2 Arena, next month.

Finchley Manor member Robin Mace said: “It is a fantastic opportunity to be involved in the most well-known squash tournament in the world.

“It is a major event and a great chance for people to come and see some top-level squash.”

Big-name players in the squash circuit featuring at the qualifiers, include Robbie Temple, Ben Ford and local hopeful Mark Bradley.

The 16-man knockout tournament starts at midday on Saturday, April 28 and continues into Sunday when the final match takes place at 4pm.

Robin added: “The pre-qualifiers are a bit like the wild card entry to Wimbledon – it is an opportunity for the next level players to have their shot.”

Entry to the club to watch the tournament is free. For more information, telephone Finchley Manor on 0208 346 1327.