Ja to contest World Team Squash Champs

KINGSTON: THE JAMAICA Squash Association (JSA) has announced it will send a squad of the country’s top men’s players to the World Men’s Team Squash Championships scheduled for November 27 to December 3 in Marseilles, France.

The prestigious tournament will be contested by teams from 28 countries, including defending champions, England, the US, India, Australia, Germany, and emerging global powerhouse, Egypt. Jamaica, along with Iraq and Israel, will be contesting the championships for the first time.

The debutant team will most likely consist of the country’s top male players, with seven-time Jamaican and Caribbean champion Chris Binnie expected to lead the pack. The seasoned competitor should be comfortable on the world stage, having competed on the Professional Squash Association tour for more than three years.

OTHER LIKELY CANDIDATES

Jamaica and Caribbean number two, Lewis Walters, is also tipped to make the side, and the experienced professional should add further depth to the team. Other likely candidates are former Jamaican and regional junior champion Julian Morrison, who should bring a youthful edge; and local number three, Bruce Burrowes.

To finance the team’s participation in the championships, the JSA will be rolling out a ‘Road to France’ campaign in the coming months. The effort will include several fundraising initiatives including a tournament at the end of June and a barbecue scheduled for later this year.

The Squash Association will also be approaching corporate Jamaica and other local organisations for support.

“The best players in the world will be contesting this championship, and we’re looking to field our best men’s players and have a good showing on the world stage,” said JSA President Chris Hind.

“This tournament is a major stepping stone in our plans to raise Jamaica’s profile in international squash, and we’re hoping we’ll have solid support to send our team to France,” he added.