VETERANS, champions and hot young contenders will do battle in an exciting slate of warm-up matches which will precede the much-anticipated showdown between Jamaica’s squash sensation Chris Binnie and Commonwealth gold medallist Mark Chaloner this weekend.

Local hero Binnie will match skills with the visiting Englishman in the main event of a massive fund-raiser which is scheduled for Saturday at the Liguanea Club in Kingston.

The exciting showcase is being staged by the Jamaica Squash Association (JSA) to finance a sponsorship grant for Binnie, who is currently competing on the professional squash circuit.

Binnie is the reigning All-Jamaica and Caribbean Senior Men’s Champion, will face one of his strongest challenges this year when he goes up against Chaloner, who has been ranked as high as number seven on the squash Pro tour.

However, an exciting undercard featuring some of Jamaica’s brightest squash stars will serve as appetiser for the main encounter.

“Generation Next” will pit the reigning Under-13 Girls champion Mia Mahfood against her arch-rival Tayla Ziadie. In a different vein, “Passing the Torch” will see 13-time All-Jamaica Men’s Champion Wayne Burrowes fielding a challenge from the current Under-19 boys’ champion, Ashante Smith.

However, perhaps the most exciting match on the undercard will be “The Rivalry Continues”, a girl-power showdown between the reigning All Jamaica and Caribbean Under-15 champion Alyssa Mullings and former All Jamaica Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, and Under-19 champion Mary Mahfood.

“Everyone is excited about seeing Chris Binnie take on Mark Chaloner, but before the big showdown, we will have some exciting matches that will highlight the past, present and future of Jamaican squash,” said Jamaica Squash Association President Major John Nelson.

“The line-up will highlight the versatility of the game; showing everyone from enthusiastic hobbyists to current young champions, and from veterans who are still at the top of their game to fearless youngsters who will take on all contenders. Anyone who likes the thrill of competitive sports will enjoy it,” he added.