Ainsley Walters, Star Writer

COACH Claude Chin is banking on microweight Alrick Wanliss and lightweight Nicholas Dussard to come up trumps for Jamaica's combined martial arts team in their defence of the Busta US Open World Continental Team Fighting Championships in Orlando, Florida, early next month.

Jamaica will look to stage a second defence of their title at the July 2-6 tournament but the confirmation of Vietnam for the six-nation showdown has heightened anxiety.

Chin said although Jamaica's task is considered a "monumental challenge", the combined team should pull through, especially if Wanliss and Dussard win the first two bouts.

"Jamaica still have the advantage with the best microweight in the world, Wanliss, and Dussard, who is, without a doubt, the best lightweight at the tournament," he said.

"This should give Jamaica a distinct advantage before Kenneth Edwards hits the mat as lead fighter," Chin added.

dethrone jamaica

Vietnam, representing Asia, are joined by New Zealand returning as the Oceanic region participants; Germany for Europe; Argentina will be on show for South America; and hosts United States will carry the flag of North America, all hell-bent on dethroning three-time champions Jamaica.

Whereas Jamaica have got past all their rivals in winning the inaugural tournament in 2007 and making a successful defence last year, Vietnam represent a new and dangerous challenge.

It is the first time in many years that the Vietnamese will compete outside their country, as a team, and are unknown but very much renowned for their martial arts prowess.

Jamaica's six-man squad, captained by Jason McKay, will have Alrick Wanliss as microweight, Nicholas Dussard doing lightweight duties, Kenneth Edwards as its lead fighter, and the other two positions filled by Shiah Shukura and Shawn Cummings.

Veteran Arthur Barrows will be absent from the line-up after missing training for two weeks.

The combined team has gone unbeaten since 2003, winning 17 straight matches, all away from home, including two Busta US Open World Continental Team Fighting Championships.