HEAVYWEIGHT Richard Stone created Jamaica combined martial arts team history by topping the 2016 rankings a year after making the team in December 2015.

The 24-year-old The University of the West Indies graduate earned 49 points on the local and international martial arts circuit to be the top qualifier for the 2017 season, which has a hectic fight schedule.

Stone edged former captain Nicholas Dusard by a point, topping eight other qualifiers and three invitees in the selection process, which gives all active Jamaican martial artists a chance to make the combined team squad annually.

“It was hard to gather the points, but I tried my best to persevere at all the competitions,” Stone pointed out.

Stone earned six points on the local tournament circuit to edge Dusard’s five, giving him the top spot. They were followed in the rankings and 2017 team selection by Ackeem Lawrence and the new captain, Adrian Moore, who tallied 37 and 31 points, respectively.

Stone said he plans to keep the top spot in a tough year locally and internationally.

“This year should be harder with the competition increased. I plan to defend my title in Greece at the International Sports Kickboxing Association’s (ISKA) Amateur Member Association World Championship,” he added.

Akino Lindsay clinched fifth spot with 29 points ahead of Nicholai Reid and United States-based Kenneth Edwards (26), who earned all his points on the overseas circuit.

Veteran Jason McKay battled injuries for most of the year but managed to earn 10 points, finishing eighth ahead of young guns Donald Francis and Trevor Webb Jr.

Team invitees, after strong showing at local tournaments, include Ricardo Lewis, Richard Touzalin and