SOUTH FLORIDA, USA – Jamaica’s shooting contingent marked a historic outing at the Jack Link’s Cup, with two young marksmen, Roman Tavares-Finson and Todd Lazarus, topping their respective classes.
A record 69 Jamaican gunners participated, the largest team ever sent to the competition. The contingent followed on the trail of Geoffrey Ziadie’s breakthrough performance last year, when he became the first Jamaican to win a category at the event, out of 2,400 international competitors, claiming the AA Class.
At just 22 years old, Tavares-Finson produced a stunning display of consistency and precision, hitting 259 targets out of 300 over four days, across four distinct courses. He emerged victorious in the AA Class, besting a 300-strong field that included a three-time national champion from Spain.
“Competing at Jack Links was very exciting based on the size of the shoot and how many people attended. Jamaica was very well represented, so that was exciting,” Tavares-Finson said.
“I’ve been to two Jack Link’s events before and the previously known Gator Cup three times, and I feel very good about my performance.”
Tavares-Finson first drew attention in Jamaica when he entered the A Class at just 14, becoming the youngest competitor at that level, and has steadily risen through the ranks to national prominence.
Lazarus claims D Class victory
The second Jamaican win came from Todd Lazarus, who captured the D Class title with 218 out of 300 targets, following in the footsteps of his late grandfather Errol Ziadie, an accomplished shooter.
“It was definitely a privilege to compete in the Jack Links this year. I am very grateful that I was able to make it, even more grateful that I was able to place in some events. Coming first in the main event was a big thing for me,” Lazarus said.
“Overall, it’s definitely something I wouldn’t want to miss again, and I can’t wait for the next Jack Link’s Cup.”
Several other members of the Jamaican team delivered podium finishes:
· Rajhir Dacosta – 2nd place, A Class (237/300)
· Adam Vaz – 3rd place, C Class (227/300)
· Jake Therrien – 2nd place, D Class (210/300)
The team now turns its attention to upcoming international competitions, including the World English Sporting Clays, while also participating in several local events to maintain momentum.
