Binnie Bonanza Puts Jamaica On Squash Map
by Howard Harding
24 June 2012 - Christopher Binnie made squash history in the British Virgin Islands when he became the first Jamaican to win a PSA World Tour title.
The Kingston-born 23-year-old upset Frenchman Johan Bouquet in the final of the inaugural British Virgin Islands Open to win the PSA Challenger 5 event at the Tortola Sports Club in Tortola.
And, incredibly, Binnie recorded his historical maiden title as a qualifier - beating third-seeded Australian Josh Cardwell in the quarter-finals, England's No2 seed Robert Downer in the semis before despatching fourth seed Bouquet 11-9, 7-11, 11-8, 11-7 in a thrilling 68-minute final.
"As Binnie hit match ball, the crowd burst into ecstatic applause - the first ever Challenger 5 victory for a Caribbean player - and on home territory too," said tournament promoter Mark Chapman.
"What a fabulous week of squash," continued the President of the BVI Squash Rackets Association. "We started with the Governor of the British Virgin Islands Boyd McCleary progressing through the opening round of the qualifiers with a 3/0 victory and we end up with a Caribbean champion - two firsts for British Virgin Islands squash - absolutely tremendous."
Governor McCleary added: "I'm delighted that the club was able to host the first BVI Open. There was great interest from members, a great buzz around the club and I hope it will become an annual event.
"I hope that this event will help to raise the profile of squash in the territory and that it encourages more young people to come out and play. Squash is a great game for kids, in terms of discipline, fitness and sportsmanship."
RESULTS: PSA Challenger 5 British Virgin Islands Open, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
1st round:
[2] Robert Downer (ENG) bt Joe Chapman (IVB) 11-7, 11-2, 11-8 (41m)
Sergio Lopez (MEX) bt Micah Franklin (BER) 11-8, 11-9, 11-2 (21m)
[Q] Christopher Binnie (JAM) bt James Skiffington (NZL) 11-6, 11-1, 11-0 (23m)
[3] Josh Cardwell (AUS) bt Armando Olguin (MEX) 11-0, 11-2, 11-8 (18m)
[4] Johan Bouquet (FRA) bt [Q] Colin Ramasra (TRI) 12-10, 11-9, 11-6 (31m)
Salvador Martinez (MEX) bt [Q] Ibrahim Nyanzi (UGA) 11-2, 11-4, 11-1 (17m)
Michael McCue (CAN) bt Bryan Bonilla (GUA) 7-11, 11-4, 11-6, 11-3 (53m)
[1] Adam Murrills (ENG) bt [Q] Josue Enriquez (GUA) 11-6, 11-6, 11-1 (22m)
Quarter-finals:
[2] Robert Downer (ENG) bt Sergio Lopez (MEX) 11-1, 6-11, 11-7, 11-4 (53m)
[Q] Christopher Binnie (JAM) bt [3] Josh Cardwell (AUS) 11-6, 11-5, 11-9 (45m)
[4] Johan Bouquet (FRA) bt Salvador Martinez (MEX) 12-10, 11-4, 11-7 (33m)
[1] Adam Murrills (ENG) bt Michael McCue (CAN) 5-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-4 (35m)
Semi-finals:
[Q] Christopher Binnie (JAM) bt [2] Robert Downer (ENG) 11-9, 11-4, 11-13, 12-10 (59m)
[4] Johan Bouquet (FRA) bt [1] Adam Murrills (ENG) 11-9, 11-8, 11-4 (36m)
Final:
[Q] Christopher Binnie (JAM) bt [4] Johan Bouquet (FRA) 11-9, 7-11, 11-8, 11-7 (68m)
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