Jamaican squash star Chris Binnie will look to end his banner year on a high note, when he faces off against fellow pro-player Mark Chaloner in a major showdown, set for next Saturday at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston.

The high-flying Binnie comes to the clash with several big victories under his belt, including Jamaica’s first professional squash title which he won in June after joining the professional tour earlier this year. In addition, he successfully defended both his All Jamaica Men’s title and his regional crown in 2012.

While he remains undefeated locally and regionally for the last two years, the champ will face a steep challenge when he takes on Chaloner. The Englishman, who has been ranked as high as #7 internationally, boasts an impressive resume, which includes a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.

Both players are predicting fireworks and anticipating a high standard of play at their year-end battle.

“I’m sure I will not get most of the support, but I’m aiming to quiet down the crowd, which will be a tough job because I know the local supporters are very passionate about their squash,” Chaloner said. “Fans can expect a close battle and the rallies will be fast and furious.”

For his part, Binnie is anticipating a stiff fight, but he’s looking forward to gaining experience from taking on a player of Chaloner’s rank.

“This match will showcase a level of squash that has not been seen in Jamaica before. Mark has been ranked in the top 10, so he is a class player and it will be a great experience for me to play him and hopefully I can take a lot from it,” Binnie said.

The event will serve as a fundraiser for the Jamaica Squash Association (JSA) to finance a sponsorship grant for Binnie to help underwrite the cost of his travelling and accommodation on the pro tour in 2013. The gruelling professional schedule includes matches in various parts of the US and Canada, as well as the United Kingdom and at this point, Binnie’s participation is almost completely self-funded.

“We are on a major drive to raise funds to support Chris because the early stages of the professional tour are very expensive for players who do not have corporation sponsorship,” JSA president, Major John Nelson explained.

“Chris has the potential to put Jamaican squash on the world map and the JSA is committed to providing tangible support to help our local champion take his career to the next level,” he added.

In addition to the match between Binnie and Chaloner, the JSA is also finalising an under card that will feature several local junior and senior players.

“I hope this event will continue to raise more awareness about squash in Jamaica and help the sport to gain more interest from people across the country. It is a great sport and hopefully this match can show more and more people how much squash has to offer,” Binnie said.