Wrestlers show their mettle

By Morissa Lindsay

The Barbados Wrestling Association continues to remain active as the local governing body in conjunction with Rascals Barbados Restaurant staged series one of the 2022 Barbados Beach Wrestling Open competition this past weekend at Brandon’s Beach.

Some of the best grapplers on the island came out to compete in beach wrestling which has been deemed the fastest growing sport in the United World Wrestling development sports program.

Reigning national beach wrestling champion Lemar Tull of Kime-Kan Wrestling Club lost the 80kg 4-2 in a hard-fought battle against teenager Adrian Maynard of the Alleyne School.

Tull got off to a good start with a 2-0 lead after two quick takedowns. However, Maynard, the reigning Under-17 Pan American Greco-Roman bronze medallist was able to come from behind in the three-minute matchup and execute his superb suplex move that resulted in defeat for Tull.

As the person who now wears the crown as the new ‘sand king’, Maynard received a prize from Rascals Barbados Chief Executive Officer Robert Meyers for the “Move of the Day” which was his suplex move.

In the third place contest, Tull won 3-0 over Deshon Skeete who defeated Kodi Marshall of Queen’s College 4-2 in their semifinal showdown.

In the Men’s 90kg Robert Williams of Panda Dojo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Sweden, utilized his experience to score three push-outs and won gold in a keenly contested rivalry against Thomas Ridgeon.

Francois Jones of Kime Kan Wrestling Club who is also a former champion of the 80kg weight category moved up in weight to the 90kg division.

Jones had the fastest win in that division when he defeated Odain Jackman of Fight Hub club with a 3-point takedown within the first 15 seconds of their match.

There were participants from as young as five to 53 years old and the future looks bright for the Rollins Alleyne-led BWA who gave thanks to the Barbados Olympic Association and their newest sponsors Rascals Barbados.

Adam Jordan Brandford of St. Gabriel’s School won gold in the under-six boys.

In the Under-14 Open, Kamar Williams trounced Zachary Maynard to secure the top podium finish. Williams also featured in the Under-15 B-class but was unsuccessful against much tougher opponents, losing 4-1 to Ayden Williams of the St. Leonard’s Boys School.

Williams is a young gifted wrestler who is known for his strong defensive tactics and counters for which Kamar Williams did not have much of a response.

(morissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb)