Barnes

JAMAICA's Shaun Barnes will be up against tough opposition when he takes the mat at the Red Tiger International in Philadelphia on Saturday, possibly a rematch with world bronze medallist Carlos Resende of the United States.

The men's draw at the annual Philadelphia tournament will be competitive with the likes of Resende as well as Julio Carlos, the International Taekwondo Federation lightweight champion, one of two US gold medalists from the world championship held in New Zealand in March.

Team captain Jason McKay explained that the Red Tiger is not a team match and is expected to be a tall order for most.

"It's not a team match but team members in individual events. Being the first fixture overseas for most of them for this year, we're expecting it to be rough."

confident

Barnes, who won last month's local Taekwondo Open to end a streak of bronze medal performances, has said he is confident of turning the tables on Resende, who had beaten him in the semi-finals of last year's White Tiger International in New York.

"This year, I have stepped up my game and will be a force to reckon with," the Jamaica combined martial arts team member told STAR Sports.

"I am a lot stringer and much fitter than I was last year. Mentally, I'm more prepared. Last year I was breaking the ice being a rookie on the team. This year, I am way more prepared mentally," he added.

Barnes, who fights out of First Zendo Karate, qualified for the combined martial arts team in 2009 after winning the Seido Open. The points earned that season qualified him as an invitee to the combined team in 2010.

defeated

He believes he is definitely on a collision course to face Resende.

"I am very confident going into this one. I expect, however, stiff competition from all participants, especially Carlos. I was fortunate enough to compete against Carlos last year and was defeated in the semis of the White Tiger. He won the division.

"Carlos uses a lot of combinations. My plan is to outsmart him and fight him outside of his range. Any opening I see, I will take a point. I won't give him any opportunity to use his combinations against me."

After the Red Tiger International, Barnes is expected to compete at the US Open in July. He is also expected to represent Jamaica as a starting member of the combined team in a 10-man match against Venezuela in August.

The Venezuela match precedes the Tri-Asian champs against two Asian finalists in Singapore later this year. Jamaica are defending Tri-Asian champs.