Christopher Binnie (left) holding the BVI Squash Championship Trophy, pictured with Johan Bouquet, who he beat 3-1 in the final. Photo: Charlie Jackson/VINO

The match featured many strength sapping long rallies to test both players fitness and skill. Photo: Charlie Jackson/VINO

With his 11-9, 7-11, 11-8, 11-7 68 minute win, Binnie, who played through the qualifiers, became the first Jamaican to win a PSA World Tour title.

“It’s been a tough Tournament playing two games a day and in the heat, but when you reach a final you have to play like you might never reach another one, so I made sure I left nothing out there,” commented Binnie.

Bouquet, who was once ranked at 108 in the World, before taking time off to concentrate on coaching and earning a living, was surprised by Binnie’s game. “He surprised me with his consistency throughout the match. I definitely had hoped to have the edge especially after he had that long semi final, but each time I tried to close him out he just kept coming.”

The match was littered with long strength sapping rallies and also numerous “let calls”. “It was a physical match,” said Bouquet. “He’s a big guy, slow to clear and tough to move around.”

“We were both tired and there was some contact as we went for shots,” added Binnie, “every point was a battle, but there was no malice and it was quite nice to get a breather.”

It was Binnie’s first ever quarter final, first semi final and first final although not the first time he has won in the Virgin Islands as he was crowned Caribbean Junior Champion last time he appeared here. Whilst knowing the courts and more used to the sweltering heat than his European opponents, Binnie also pointed out, “None of us have coaches who travel with us so it’s hard to know what to expect in tournaments and to adapt to the conditions. Whoever figures it all out the quickest usually comes out a winner.”

Next up for Binnie is the Jamaican Nationals where he hopes to do well and then back to New York for more training before considering his options. One thing for sure is that he will get plenty of attention and offers as word reverberates around the circuit.

As for Bouquet, he is off to Gibraltar to play in the same Tournament as Joe Chapman next week in conditions and climate that will make him feel much closer to home.

Both players had intriguing battles in their semi finals.

Binnie took out England’s Robert Downer ranked 156 in the World, 9-11, 4/11, 13/11,10-12 in a match that lasted an hour even allowing for numerous changes of shirts and searching for fresh towels to mop away the sweat. Bouquet took just over half an hour to beat Andy Murills also from the UK, 11/9, 11/8, 11/4.

“It was a marvelous tournament”, commented Promoter Mark Chapman, “the best squash we have ever had here. Hopefully it will be even more spectacular next year!”