Murdock sets his sights on becoming world champion

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

Jamaica's top marksman, Lesgar 'Speedy' Murdock, continues to make strides in his sport despite receiving limited support, which has crippled his ability to train as much as he would like.

The 30 year old, on April 15-17, topped the field at the Area Six Championships held at the Universal Shooting Academy in Frostproof, Florida.

"I shot in the limited division, where I came first in master class," Murdock informed. "We had 12 stages and I shot all 12 stages in one day. It was a two-day shoot but because of time constraints I shot everything in one day," he added.

Murdock, who is one of only two grandmasters (the highest class) in the English-speaking Caribbean, with the other being fellow Jamaican Ronald Brown Jr, has been involved in shooting for 13 years.

"A family friend invited me to the range (Jamaica Rifle Association) and I fired a couple of shots, liked it and decided to go back with him after that," Murdock shared. "My first international tournament was in Venezuela a year after (1997).

"I won a US tournament in Texas three years ago (2008), The Double Top Championship; and I have won in different classes, from 'B Class' right up to grandmaster class," he added.

Murdock who prefers shooting the open pistol, which has a scope and a red dot, fell in love with the sport because of the gun's kick in his hand and the sound it gives off when fired. He is of the view that with support from corporate Jamaica he would probably be the current world champion.

"My toughest challenge has been training, it takes a lot of money, so if I was able to get some good sponsors it would be better for me," Murdock said. "Right now it is friends and family that help me; I don't have a set sponsor.

"So four days before a tournament I travel overseas, mainly to Florida and train, because ammunition is much cheaper and I do like 2,500 rounds for training," he added.

World champion dream

Murdock will have a chance to realise his dream of becoming world champion at this year's world tournament, which will be staged in October later this year. He will be joined by Anthony Johnson and Orville Henriques who will also be representing Jamaica. The winners of the tournament will be crowned world champion and dethrone three times defending champion Eric Graffel of France.

"Right now, for me, it is not about physical training; it is about mental," Murdock pointed out. "I just need to do a lot of training and be consistent throughout the match," he added.

Murdock can next be seen in action locally at the inaugural staging of the JRA/NCB 2011 Jamaica Invitational Pistol Tournament, which will be held on Saturday, April 30 at the Jamaica Rifle Association range, 148 Mountain View Avenue. Action is set to commence at 8 a.m.