Combined team steps up WTF-style campaign

JAMAICA's combined martial arts team continue to make inroads in World Taekwondo Federation-style (WTF) fighting, landing three gold medals at the weekend's Presidents Cup in New Jersey following a big nine-medal haul in New York two weeks prior.

The combined team, drawn from various techniques locally, showed their versatility with two knockouts and a nail-biting finish.

Akino Lindsay defeated United States fighter Bryan Ambrose by an early knockout. Sheckema Cunningham almost beat her younger opponent by knockout.

However, Calabar High School star fighter Trevor Webb Jr did it the hard way, fighting a controlled bout to win 26-22 against a formidable Akeel Linton.

Jason McKay, who trains Cunningham and is managing the team's renewed WTF thrust, said he was impressed with the trio's performance.

The combined team has been at loggerheads with the WTF's local body, the Jamaica Taekwondo Federation, since last year when Nicholas Dusard was denied a spot on the national team for Olympic qualifying. Fences have not been mended since.

"I couldn't care less whether the WTF's representative in Jamaica blesses this new effort. My only hope is that the new Jamaica Olympic Association administration which is set to take over this year will take steps to deal with the Jamaica Taekwondo Federation," he said.