Binnie takes $11-million COVID hit

Top Jamaican squash player Christopher Binnie says his pocket has taken a significant hit from the COVID-19 pandemic, with a loss of approximately $11 million in potential earnings due to the cancellation of a number of international tour events.

Binnie was scheduled to compete in five World Squash Tour events, including the Bermuda Open, which was cancelled in March due to the spread of the coronavirus.

“Financially, it has obviously affected me, because I no longer have a job, but I still try to train and keep fit in some respect until I can get back on a court to do some proper training and eventually compete again,” said Binnie.

NOT PHYSICALLY READY

Despite a number of top squash events still on the schedule for this year, Binnie stated that he is not sure if he would compete for the rest of the year because he is not in good physical condition.

“I haven’t had a good court to train on for the last four months, so at the end of the day, it wouldn’t be a smart decision to jump straight into playing a professional event because, obviously, I wouldn’t be ready,” said Binnie.

He added that although the break has brought on a financial burden, he was happy for a chance to relax because he has been competing consistently for the last few years.

The 31-year-old, who has won nine Caribbean Singles Championship, is now ranked 65 in the world. He stated that he is using the COVID-19 break to improve his fitness and get ready for competition next season.

“I was really playing well and (my) confidence was high, and then it got cut right when I had five more events to play. So, again, out of my control and there is not much I can do about it, but I can use this opportunity to build on my game now, so when we do start back, I can continue to improve my ranking,” he shared.

While the World Squash Federation has not cancelled all the events for 2020, the Jamaica Squash Association (JSA) has pulled the plug.

The JSA has suspended all remaining tournaments and competitions scheduled for 2020 as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus.

Binnie underlined his support of the JSA’s decision.

“I trust what they believe. Squash is a difficult sport to start back with a virus like this because it is indoors. Football is outdoors, with a lot of airflow; but with squash, you are indoors the whole time,” Binnie reasoned. “The right thing to do is to start up when you know you can adequately protect everyone who is involved.”

Sharla Williams