The Jamaica Star :: Sport :: Coach Chin says Jamaica fighters must improve

Ainsley Walters, Freelance Writer

Jamaica's Nicholas Dussard aims a downward kick at his opponent on Saturday during points sparring action at the International Sports Karate Association's US Martial Arts Open in Orlando, Florida. - Contributed

AFTER surviving a major scare on Thursday in the final of the Busta World Continental Team Fighting Championship, Jamaican coach Claude Chin said the defending champions will have to step up their game.

Jamaica rallied from a fight down to beat world champions Argentina in overtime.

"It's the strongest line-up I've faced so far, since coaching them," said Chin.

"Argentina are world and Pan-Am champions and Germany are one of the best teams in Europe.

Targets

"We did not realise, until we stepped into the ring with Argentina, after looking at the first minute of that fight, that we were up against the best," Chin remarked.

"They've heard about us and seen us. We're now targets. In fact, Argentina have asked for a rematch straight away. The coach, Pablo Ferreiro, said he is willing to meet us anywhere, anytime."

"I thought our microweight, Alrick Wanliss, would have won but to have him draw was a big disappointment. The shocker was our lightweight Pan-Am champion, Nicholas Dussard, losing, even though he fought a heavier opponent."

Chin said the reliable Arthur Barrows and Kenneth Edwards saved the day and Jamaica's reputation.

Perfection

"Having Kenneth win after Barrows, who is very reliable, kept us in the game, and was good. In sudden death, Kenneth was hyped. He was told what to do and did it with perfection. I must say Argentina brought out the best in us and we can only move upward with this level of competition," Chin added.

"The message is that we have to be on top of our games and one step ahead of the competition, especially Dussard, who will be a world champion. For him to lose to Argentina, although a heavier person, it is still a shock to me," said Chin.

"Wanliss should have also done better. He beat Raul Ramos last year in Spain at the World Cup. I expected him to beat him again but Ramos showed that he had studied Wanliss and put up a really good fight to get a draw."