Scotchman, Chang win top titles

RICHARD SCOTCHMAN and Tsitsi Chang won the 2006 'Novice Mr. Jamaica' and 'Miss Jamaica International' titles respectively at the Jamaica Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (JABAFA) Championships at the Girls' Guides headquarters, Waterloo Road, on the weekend.

The night's third title, the 'Teen Mr. Jamaica', went to Leslie Howard, a St. Jago High student who trains at the Satchell's Gym in Spanish Town.

Scotchman from Body Dynamics Fitness and Health Spa in Portmore, won the 'Novice Mr. Jamaica' title ahead of 13 competitors.

Entering for the first time, he won unanimously as the packed auditorium cheered all the way for him. Second went to Marcos Whyte of Ultimate Fitness Centre in Kingston, and third to Mark Mattock of Body Dynamics.

Meanwhile, Chang, competing for the first time and representing Spartan Health Club, gained the judges approval to win ahead of Nicole Weller from Head-To-Toe Fitness Gym of Ocho Rios.

Third went to Debbie Hall of Spartan Health in a field of 14 women.

Six were selected by the judges in the final after eight were eliminated. Chang also won best legs and best condition while Hall received the best figure and best presentation awards.

Chang, who has a martial arts background, took this across in her training by lifting weights to get her body into peak condition.

"I feel very honoured to compete with these girls ... all of my hard work during training has paid off," said the 25-year-old Chang, who manages the Jamaica Karate Club and is a many-time female black belt grand champion.

Chang also said she was confident entering the competition as her body was at its peak, having left no stone unturned in her preparation.

"I look forward to representing Jamaica at the Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships to be held here in September and hope to do my best," she said.

Schoolboy Howard came out on top of eight other competitors. He was also competing for the first time and with the crowd backing him throughout, won convincingly. Second place went to Michael Ross from Total Body Fitness Centre and third to Owen James Jr.

Sponsors of the event were the Sports Development Foundation, Pharmaton, RST Industries, Natures Mist Drinking Water, Lerner Shop, Muscles Fitness and Health and Spartan.