UK Sport

British Women's team selected for 2010 GB Judo World Cup

Related content

British Judo 25 August 2010

A 24-strong British women’s team has been selected to compete at the 2010 GB World Cup, supported by UK Sport’s World Class Events Programme.

The event, supported by UK Sport and Birmingham City Council, will take place at Birmingham National Indoor Arena (NIA) for the fifth consecutive year from 2-3 October.

With less than two years to go to the London 2012 Olympic Games, the GB World Cup forms an important marker for the British team and is part of the new World Ranking system, announced by the International Judo Federation (IJF), which contributes to Olympic qualification and each individuals World standing.

Karen Roberts, Performance Operations Manager, said: “The 2010 GB World Cup is a fantastic event for British players to gain international experience.

“Ranking points are becoming more and more important as we get closer to 2012 so International players will be attracted to the event. Although the points do not affect the Host Nation Qualification quota they do affect future seeding so it will also be an opportunity for our players.”

Russia, Spain, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland, Luxemburg, Netherlands and New Zealand will be amongst the nations competing in the event which is regarded as one of the best staged on the World circuit.

The circuit features four Grand Slams (Paris, Moscow, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo), five Grand Prix (Hamburg, Tunis, United States of America, Beijing and Abu Dhabi) and 17 World Cups, including the GB World Cup, plus the Masters held in Suwon this year.

Eleven players from the 2010 World Championship team have been selected, including Kimberley Renicks (-48kg), Sarah Clark (-63kg) and Sarah Adlington (+78kg), who will be defending their 2009 GB World Cup titles.

Commenting on the trio, Roberts said: “All three are international athletes and have the chance of retaining their titles. With up to four British players in each weight category, we could also see some exciting fights just between the Brits.”

Making their debut at the event are Kelly Edwards (-48kg), Siobhan O’Neill (-52kg), Jodie Mullen (-63kg), Kerry Ford (-63kg), Louise Little (-78kg) and Fiona Jones (-78kg).

Selectors will announce after the Welsh Open whether there will be a fourth player selected to compete in the -57kg competition.

Saturday 2 October will see the women’s lightweight categories, -48kg, -52kg and -57kg, step into the spotlight. Sunday 3 October will see the -63kg, -70kg, -78kg and +78kg weight categories compete.

Spectators can purchase tickets through The Ticket Factory on 0844 338 8000 or online at www.theticketfactory.com priced at £14 for adults per day and £6 for children/senior citizens.

Back to news listing