Nicholas Dussard - File

HAVING to sit out Saturday's final of the Busta Pan-Am Challenge against the United States in Philadelphia, due to the death of his father, regular team captain Jason McKay is banking on veteran Arthur Barrows to lead Jamaica's combined martial arts team to victory.

McKay is wishing the team success ahead of this summer's defence of its World Team Fighting Championship, as he wants Jamaica to enter the contest in Orlando unbeaten to help build their confidence ahead of facing the likes of Argentina and Germany.

declared losers

A sudden twist of fate thrust Arthur Barrows into the captaincy role for Saturday's final.

Barrows will captain the combined team in the absence of McKay, whose father's funeral service clashes with the bout.

Although Jamaica have had the better of the United States in recent meetings, Barrows' leadership will be closely watched as the last time he led the team in McKay's absence, the combined team was declared losers against the Dominican Republic.

Ironically, McKay was unavailable then as his duties as a member of the police force led to him being summoned to duty, leaving Barrows in charge.

It required a recall of scorecards and protest action by the Jamaicans to erase that loss.

challenge

Suddenly thrust into the captaincy role, Barrows yesterday said he was ready for the challenge.

"It's a heavy load with the combined team going into such a tough bout, but I am comfortable and confident going into the weekend," said Barrows, who leaves the island with the team tomorrow morning.

"At the front we have Alrick Wanliss and Nicholas Dussard leading the charge in micro and lightweight. Kenneth Edwards and myself are in the middle. I am not too worried. It's just to keep the guys focused and keep the game plan on the day."