Jamaica's masters fighter, Jason McKay (right), with Uzbekistan's Nuvaliev Tenor at the International Taekwon-Do Federation New York Open.

Ainsley Walters, Star Writer

VETERAN Jason McKay at the weekend continued his quest to make the 2015 Jamaica combined martial arts team by winning bronze at the New York leg of the United States national tae kwon do series.

The lone Jamaican competitor at the event, McKay won bronze in the black belt masters division, going down to Omar Lada of the Dominican Republic in a tough semi-final encounter.

Despite not winning gold, the combined team founder and former captain was grateful for the three points earned, following a silver on the circuit three weeks ago.

Clinching bronze in New York secured eight points in three weeks for McKay, who moved into the top-10 'safe zone' of qualifying for next year's combined team after languishing in 14th position at the end of August.

"I might be the founder and former captain but, like everybody else, I have to go out there and earn points to make the team. I have to practise what I preached as captain," he said.

Top-10 spot

Meanwhile, with the year winding down, the veteran will be looking for another podium finish overseas to secure his top-10 spot.

September to December is traditionally McKay's high point of the season, competing mainly on the ITF circuit in the northern United States.

He has the record of making the combined team 13 times, the closest being Edwards' 11 caps. McKay is also the only competing member of the original quartet which started the team in 2001.

He is scheduled to compete at least two other tournaments between October and November. Only fighters in the top 10 benefit from combined team sponsorship to overseas tournaments.

Each year, the combined team opens two spots for invitees. This, however, is not extended to existing members.