in Florida, amassing 4,000 points in the tricks category for the first time to make himself eligible for a world ranking.

Richardson, who turned 34 last week, accumulated 4,070 points to beat his previous best of 3,850 in taking first place amongst 28 skiers in tricks in the Fort Meyers Four Seasons Tournament, the first tournament of the year.

"I've been trying to reach 4,000 points for seven or eight years,'' said Richardson from Florida.

"I'm not too concerned about a ranking, but this was the first tournament of the year and it's great to open with a personal best. It's a long time waiting for something like this. All this is a buildup for the World Championships (September 1-6) in Singapore.'' Richardson was also second amongst nine skiers in the slalom which called for the skier to negotiate six turns on a single ski with the boat travelling at a speed of 36 mile per hour.

With the 4,000 point barrier broken Richardson says his eventual target is 5,000 points. He has been in Florida training since last October and will compete in two more tournaments before returning at the end of next month.

The next tournament is on McCormick's Lake in Tampa on April 3-4 and then its the Hall of Fame Tournament on the 24th and 25th of April in Lakeland, Florida against a lot of top skiers from America and some Europeans who are in the US training.

"I've been skiing every day, twice a day from October to Christmas, and now three or four times a day,'' said Richardson.

"I'll be trying to hit as many tournaments as I can before I come back to Bermuda.'' KENT RICHARDSON -- Achieved a personal feat when he amassed 4,000 points in the tricks category at the Fort Meyers Four Seasons Tournament in Florida recently.