Binnie buoyed by improvements

BARRANQUILLA, Colombia:

National squash standard- bearer Chris Binnie, is particularly encouraged by the fact that his game is constantly elevating, as manifested by his Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games success.

Binnie added the CAC Games bronze medal to his trophy cabinet in competition on Sunday at Cali.

"I think the most important takeaway, personally, is that my game is continuing to improve and I need to continue to put in the hard work with my coach to climb the rankings," said Binnie.

"Again, it is another decent tournament result for my performance representing Jamaica, and this is very good for Jamaican squash," he added.

The 29-year-old is the eight-time Caribbean champion and claimed the third-place medal after falling 3-0 (11-8, 11-7, 11-6) to Colombian Miguel Angel Rodriguez in the semi-finals. Despite not making it to the championship game, the Jamaican was appreciative of his accomplishment.

"While I am disappointed that I did not win the gold or silver, I am still very happy to be going home with a bronze medal," admitted Binnie. "I played Miguel Rodriguez of Colombia in the semi-finals and thought I did fairly well. It was a close game, even though it was straight sets to him; playing him on his home courts under his favourable conditions was always going to be very difficult.

EAGER TO PLAY

"He is ranked sixth in the world rankings, so I knew it would be difficult, but I was very eager to see where I stood with all the training I have been doing and I believe that I am making improvements," he expressed.

Competition has a way of impacting development and Binnie is of the view that squash at CAC level has risen, taking along its players.

"The level of competition at the event is very good and improving in terms of world rankings. We have several players in the top 100 in the world rankings now, with Miguel being the highest at six in the world, and Cesar (Martinez Salazar), who won the silver medal, in the top 20," he assessed.

"It's good for the region that everyone's level is increasing, but makes for stiffer competition. But that's best for everyone."

In a similar vein, Binnie wants the local game to take off, listing 'exposure and investment' as key catalysts and thanked the Jamaica Olympic Association for their contribution in that regard. The 6ft. 3in athlete also said he has a role to play in the movement.