SHAYNE FAIRMAN, STAR Writer

Emerging badminton player, Che Beckford, is hoping his debut in Jamaica colours at the Jamaica International Championships in March did not go unnoticed.

Beckford is seeking sponsorship and exposure, as he works for a breakout season.

The player said he earned not just the honour of representing Jamaica, but the pleasure of reaching the quarter-finals in men's singles, mixed and open categories.

"I was pleased to make it to the quarter-finals, seeing I just started back playing competitively. I had six weeks to prepare, and I think I did plausible in that period," he recalled.

Fifteen countries participated in the tournament, including hosts Jamaica, United States, Guatemala, Canada, Turkey, and Barbados, among others.

With experience and determination, Beckford notes he is working hard, training and putting in the mileage behind the scenes.

"I am confident enough to say I am capable of competing against any top player in the world. I want to be a top player in the next two years, once I have the funding," he continued.

Beckford's next outing will be the CAREBACO championships in the Dominican Republic this summer.

"I am preparing well; things are shaping up good, so I'm just hoping to peak at the right time," he admitted.

Beckford is now appealing for support.

"I think I am in the top three players locally right now. My development just needs help," he said.

He outlined that his hope is to do well at CAREBACO, "to improve my ranking and get more recognised", and explained he has had to pass on a lot of tournaments due to a lack of funding.

Those tournaments could help the 27-year-old improve his ranking regionally and internationally, helping him qualify for tournaments, including the Olympics.