By Ainsley Walters, STAR Sports Writer

Kenneth Edwards - File photos

SUPER HEAVYWEIGHT Jason McKay and heavyweight Kenneth Edwards depart the island tomorrow to represent Jamaica Taekwondo at this weekend's New York and Caribbean Taekwondo Championships in the United States.

McKay, captain of the Combined Martial Arts team, holds previous experience at the New York tournament, winning a bronze medal in 2003 after being stopped by teammate Michael Thomas.

The tournament is expected to feature numerous top fighters from the North America and Caribbean region, and is considered a tough competition as it is likely to be the final showdown on the International Taekwondo Federation calendar.

Great things are expected from McKay and Edwards in their respective divisions. At five feet, eight inches, McKay, will be one of the shortest competitors in his division and has carefully avoided weight-regulated competition in favour of team match-ups.

However, he did compete at the level in 2003 and is confident of a successful return after enjoying a good season, winning silver medals in team events at the Tri-Asian Championships and the U.S. Open World Championships in July.

At his best

However, McKay will have to be at his best as he has not been active on the local circuit and fights lower down the order on the international scene for the Combined team where he has garnered valuable points in those matches.

Edwards, considered one of the most talented fighters on the circuit at age 21, looks all set to dominate the heavyweight division despite not shining in individual international matches this season.

He was eliminated at the ITF World Championships in Quebec, Canada, and also at the Pan-Am Games in Brazil.

However, he rebounded to win the heavyweight division at the Tri-Asian Championships in Hong Kong, China and his speed is expected to serve him well in New York, where he is a hot gold medal prospect.

Combined Team captain Jason McKay