RICHARD Tring was selected the 2012 Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum International Bartender Champion at the Wyndham Kingston Hotel in St Andrew on Friday evening.

Tring, who is based in the United Kingdom, beat nine competitors in the mix-off. His victory was seal with his Independence Punch.

"This is an awesome win. It's been a difficult competition with so many strong bartenders all in one place, but I am very happy about this," he said.

Tring won an all-expense-paid vacation in Jamaica.

Other overseas contenders were: Jamaica's Ryan Mitto; Canada's Jonathan Homier; Australia's Jamie Chesher; Seggrett 'Seggy' Quizeo of the Cayman Islands; Salvador Pacheco representing Mexico; New Zealand's Jason Clark; Daniel Melgar competing for Peru; and, American Ben Clemons.

Cecil Smith, marketing manager for Owned Brands at J Wray & Nephew Limited said: "The Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum International Bartender Challenge represents a chance for the bartending profession to be showcased on the world stage, and to further promote the standing of the profession locally."