GB men’s team selected for 2011 GB World Cup at Echo Arena Liverpool - visit www.echoarena.com or call the Echo Arena Box Office on 0844 8000 400 for tickets

A 24-strong Great Britain men’s team has been selected for the 2011 GB World Cup at Echo Arena Liverpool on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 October.

British Judo’s two-day showpiece, which is supported by UK Sport and Liverpool City Council, takes place in Liverpool for the first time this year and, as the event alternates annually between a male and female competition, will see the world’s elite men compete.

The European Judo Union licensed and International Judo Federation world circuit event will be the biggest competition to be held in Britain before the Olympic Games and will be a significant event for some of the sport’s top nations.

The 24-strong Great Britain team will be targeting glory on home soil as the anticipated event makes its Liverpool debut.

Seven members of the 2011 World Championships team having been selected.

James Millar and Ashley McKenzie compete at -60kg while Craig Fallon and Colin Oates, who took a career-best fifth-place at the World Championships in August, challenge in the -66kg category.

Colin Oates in action at the 2009 GB World Cup

© Mike Varey

Danny Williams battles in the -73kg field, Winston Gordon at -90kg and James Austin is in action at -100kg.

Also in action for Great Britain will be Gregg Varey and Graham Trinder at -60kg. British Open gold medallist Nathan Burns and runner-up Lewis Keeble take to the -66kg category.

Jan Gosiewski, who recently defeated Japan’s 2010 bronze medallist Yasuhiro Awano, joins Owen Livesey in the -73kg field.

Tom Reed, Tom Davis, David Groom and Adam Bick all compete at -81kg while Matthew Purssey, Andy Burns and Michael Horley see action at -90kg.

Joshua Butler takes to the mat at -100kg with Chris Sherrington and Matthew Clempner completing the selection at +100kg.

British Judo Chairman, Densign White, said: “The GB World Cup continues to grow and prosper and we are committed to staging the best male event in the world in 2011.

“We are really excited to be showcasing some of the talent that will likely feature in London and in a fantastic venue for our spectators to enjoy.”

Saturday 1 October will see the men’s lightweight categories of -60kg, -66kg and -73kg battle for honours while Sunday 2 October will see the -81kg, -90kg, -100kg and +100kg weight categories in action.

To book tickets log on to www.echoarena.com or call the Echo Arena Box Office on 0844 8000 400.

Tickets are priced at £15 for adults & £5 for children (under 16)

Team subject to change