World class squash is coming to Brighton later this summer.

The £70,000 Brighton and Hove Beach Classic was launched yesterday.

The new world ranking tournament will be staged on a glass court housed inside a marquee on the beach opposite the Grand Hotel from August 3-7.

James Willstrop, the former world junior champion who is ranked 13 in the seniors, has already entered along with Linda Charman, the world top-tenner from Eastbourne.

World No.64 Suzie Pierrepont, from Brighton, and Sussex No.1 Peter Genever, from Chichester, have been given wild cards into the main draws which involve 16 players in each competition.

Other big names are expected to confirm their participation in the coming weeks.

Prize money will total £30,000 - the rest will be spent on the court, marquee, seating and security.

Sussex-based promoter Alan Thatcher said: "It is the first such event to be staged in Britain and there has only been one other like it in the world.

"The unusual location makes it comparable to other squash tournament sites in the world like Grand Central Station in New York, by the pyramids in Egypt and in the Boston Symphony Hall.

"When you have a glass court you can transport it where you want to.

"It's a dream I've had for a few years and I'm delighted it has finally come together because we've managed to attract backing.

"The aim is to turn it into one of the major events in the world calendar in years to come.

"Entries have only just opened and we hope to get a decent field. It'll be a popular tournament as Brighton is a fun city to visit."

There will be seating for 600 spectators and passers-by can watch for nothing through the glass court.

Thatcher said: "The sport's profile has been low. It has been dismissed as boring. But spectators will see it is an exciting, fast sport.

"We want to show it is played by players who are great athletes with a good image. Someone like Suzie represents that."

Pierrepont, 19, who trains at Coral's at Hove with Charman, will continue her comeback after six weeks recovering from a hip problem.

The 2003 European junior champion said: "I think it is a brilliant idea, especially as it is in my home city. I've never played squash on a beach before.

"I love playing in America and Europe because I enjoy travelling and playing squash. But I really want to get going again.

"I've learned a lot in the few months that I've been a professional and now I'm just giving my injury time to heal.

"If I'd have played on with painkillers it could have ended my career before it started.

"But now it feels okay and I'll find out just how much I have recovered at Brighton."

Charman, who is getting married to French No. 4 Laurent Elriani in Alfriston on Saturday, and Genever are looking forward to the event.

Genever, who is in the world top 50, said: "What could be more pleasant to play by the sea and in a beautiful cosmopolitan city?

"It's always great to see a new tournament."

The competition will be preceded by a 50-hour squash marathon by co-promoter Mark Bellinger who aims to get into the Guinness Book of World Records and raise funds for the Childline and Asthma UK charities.

Bellinger said: "Fifty hours will be a test that even fit athetes might feel is beyond them.

"I've been training hard and am convinced I can do it. I'll have a bottle of water in my hand all the way through."