Chris Binnie
Top seed Chris Binnie got off to a strong start at the Jamaica Squash Association's senior trials defeating the number-five seed Bruce Burrowes in straight sets 11-9, 11-9 and 11-8 at the Liguanea Club in Kingston on Thursday.
As the scores indicate, all three sets were competitive with Burrowes enjoying the lead over Binnie briefly in each set but was not able to convert any to a win.
"Good game. I think that shows, you come, you have to play and everyone is competitive and today he (Burrowes) took it to me and it was really close so I am happy to get a 3-0 win and I am looking forward to tomorrow (Friday)," said the nine-time Caribbean men’s singles champion.
"When you start playing events, you want to get that first win under your belt, you want to get that first match done with as well so little nerves to start getting used to the court. I am not based here so the courts I play on are a lot colder so getting used to all of that. I am super happy with how it ended. Hopefully tomorrow (Friday) I can be a little bit better and hopefully get another win."
Despite the loss, Burrowes was not unhappy with his play.
"Chris is a top notch player; Caribbean national player, Caribbean top player, top national player. He is definitely of a different level than the local boys that I am able to train with here but I was able to hold my own against him in the game with points 11-9, 11-9, 11-8,” he said.
“That's not bad even though it’s a 3-0 loss. (I) just have to move on to the next match. Wish Chris all the best in the rest of his matches and just hope that Jamaica can put together our strongest team of these trials."
The trials opened with number-four seed Dane Schwier defeating the number-six seed Stephan Morrison in straight sets.
Meanwhile, reigning national champion and number-two seed Julian Morrison beat the U19 champion and number-seven seed Tobias Levy 3-0.
The four-day trials to select Jamaica's team to the upcoming PanAm Games in June and the Senior Caribbean Squash Championship in August, continue on Friday with matches starting at 6:00 pm at the Liguanea Club.
Blown and Fantastic Warriors set for thrilling KPMG Squash League final this evening
Blown and Fantastic Warriors have secured their spots in the eagerly anticipated final of the 24th KPMG Squash League after impressive victories over Saints and Racketeers in the semi-finals. Squash enthusiasts are gearing up for an exciting showdown between these two formidable teams, scheduled for this Friday at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston, with the action kicking off at 6:00 pm on the main court.
The path to the final saw both teams display exceptional skill and determination, thrilling spectators with intense matches that highlighted the competitive spirit of the league.
In the first semi-final clash between Blown and Saints, Jerry Bell of Saints delivered a commanding performance to secure victory over Fraser McConnell in straight sets (21-17, 21-19, 21-13). However, Blown fought back fiercely, with Jake Mahfood and Andrew Bicknell securing crucial wins to propel their team to the final.
Meanwhile, the battle between Fantastic Warriors and Racketeers kept fans on the edge of their seats with extended rallies and impressive displays of athleticism. Racketeers' Adam Lee and Fantastic Warriors' Nabeel Jawad and Stewart Maxwell showcased exceptional talent, ultimately leading to a thrilling conclusion in favor of the Fantastic Warriors.
This year's league has witnessed captivating matches and standout performances, with a new champion set to be crowned following the absence of defending champions AGI (Advantage General Insurance). The competition, which began with 16 teams in early March, featured 64 players representing a diverse range of skill levels, from beginners to national champions.
A unique aspect of the league was the implementation of handicaps based on players' skill levels, ensuring a level playing field and offering every participant an opportunity to excel. Matches were extended to twenty-one points, adding an extra layer of challenge and excitement to the games.
As the KPMG Squash League reaches its pinnacle with the highly anticipated final, squash enthusiasts and supporters eagerly await what promises to be an exhilarating showdown between Blown and Fantastic Warriors. Don't miss out on the action as these two top-tier teams vie for supremacy in this prestigious tournament.
Elite Jamaica squash player Julian Morrison fights back against doping allegations after positive test for Boldenone
In a bid to clear his name and restore his reputation, Jamaica's national squash champion, Julian Morrison, is challenging the provisional suspension imposed by the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) after testing positive for trace amounts of Boldenone, a banned anabolic agent.
The suspension came following an out-of-competition test conducted on January 18th, 2024, where Morrison's results showed the presence of Boldenone in his system. However, Morrison and his representatives strongly assert that the substance entered his body inadvertently, likely through contamination.
Dr. Emir Crowne and Mr. Matthew Gayle, legal representatives for Morrison, are steadfast in their support of his innocence. They emphasize that Boldenone's presence was unintentional and stress Morrison's commitment to upholding the integrity of the sport.
Speaking on behalf of Morrison, Dr. Crowne stated, "As best as can be determined at this time, the banned substance unknowingly entered Mr. Morrison's system through contamination." Morrison remains determined to expedite the process of vindication and is actively engaging with authorities to clear his name.
Boldenone, often associated with bodybuilding due to its anabolic properties, is prohibited in competitive sports. However, Morrison's case highlights the complexities of anti-doping regulations and the challenges faced by athletes when dealing with inadvertent exposure to banned substances.
Despite the setback, Morrison remains resolute and hopeful for a positive resolution. His representatives have expressed confidence in the ongoing efforts to overturn the suspension and restore Morrison's eligibility to compete.
Teams gear up for quarter finals of KPMG Squash League
After three grueling rounds of matches in the 24th KPMG Squash League, the teams now look forward to the quarter finals which are slated to start on Tuesday, April 9 at the Jamaica Squash Association's headquarters at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston.
The first set of matches which are scheduled for Tuesday will see Racketeers vs Team Big Shots (LC Court 4, 6pm) - Main Draw, Blown vs Premium Reserve (LC Court 5, 6pm) - Main Draw, while The Juniors vs Squashbucklers (LC Court 6, 6pm) - Plate and JDF vs Youth & Experience (LC Court 3, 6pm)- Plate. (Plate is a description for the losing teams who are playing for placement in the sixteen-team league).
The second set of quarter final matches is scheduled for Thursday, April 11 at the same venue. The scheduled matches will see Fantastic Warriors vs Court Crushers (LC Court 5, 6pm) - Main Draw, Saints vs Rampant Rollers (LC Court 4, 6pm) - Main Draw, AGI vs Bulldozers (LC Court 3, 6 pm) - Plate, and Samosas vs Campion Champions (LC Court 6, 6 pm) - Plate.
Defending champion AGI began their defense positively back in early March when they won all three matches played in the first round 3-0 over Squashbucklers but has since lost round two by a 2-1 score line to Racketeers and in the third round was decimated by Court Crushers 3-0.
Based on the results at the end of the group stage and based on defending champion AGI's results, a new champion will definitely be crowned this year.
The teams currently in the running for a place in the final include Racketeers, Team Big Shot, Blown, Premium Reserve, Fantastic Warriors, Court Crushers, Saints and Rampant Rollers.
The first two quarter final matches will be played concurrently on Tuesday with Racketeers taking on Team Big Shots on Court 4 and Blown facing off with Premium Reserve on Court 5. Both matches will begin at 6:00 pm.
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