Length of contract: 4 years | Annualised value: US$60,000 | Overall value: US$240,000

Squash player Nick Matthew, the first home-grown British Open Champion for 67 years, will be sponsored by Dunlop for the next four years in a deal worth nearly US$250,000. Under the terms of the deal, Matthew will use Dunlop rackets, balls, strings and kitbags.

"It's fantastic to be joining the world’s number one squash brand and becoming part of the Dunlop pro player team," said Matthew.

"Dunlop is renowned for producing great playing rackets and the new Evo 120 is no exception. I am looking forward to even more success with Dunlop over the next four years."

Matthew, a member of the England teams which won the World Team Squash Championships in 2005 and 2007, will challenge to once again win the men's title in the British Open next week.

Sunny Singh, Dunlop's sponsorship manager: "Dunlop is very proud to have Nick representing the brand and looks forward to supporting Nick to more success in future.

"Nick is a fantastic ambassador for the sport and a role model for younger players developing their game.

"Dunlop is committed to support squash at all levels and with players of Nick's calibre continuing to endorse and enjoy the brand, Dunlop's position as the world's number one squash brand cannot be questioned."