Paris holds first Grand Slam of the season

Eight British players have been selected to compete in the Paris Grand Slam from 6th -7th February, one of the most prestigious tournaments of the world judo circuit.

The tournament in the French capital is one of only four Grand Slams on the International Judo Federation’s calendar, joining Moscow, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo.

With results contributing to each players World standing, and the British Team building up pace in the transitional period of Head Coach, Patrick Roux’s Olympic plan, performances will be critical.

2009 was a year of reduced appearances on the world circuit as Roux put in place the building blocks of his four year plan, meaning the team must now build back their ranking positions. Commenting Karen Roberts said, "This year it all shifts. We are looking at performances and are moving into Olympic mode, with players going out to more events."

Margaret Hicks, Performance Director, reinforced “During this Transition period the Grand Slams offer the opportunity for players to compete at a high level and we hope Paris will provide some solid evidence of the progressions we are seeking."

All eyes will be on Scotland’s Euan Burton in the -81kg weight category who scooped gold at the last Grand Slam of 2009 in Tokyo.

Joining him is Sally Conway who stormed through their early rounds in 2009 but was caught by the straight knockout system, which meant she didn’t have the chance to fight for bronze through the repechage.

This year a more confident Conway will be looking to reach the rostrum in the -70kg competition, having since achieved a 5 th place at the 2009 Senior World Championships and a gold medal at the Minsk World Cup under her belt.

“After missing out on a medal last year, I hope that this year I will go that step further and get a Grand Slam medal in Paris. Going into this tournament I feel I have made some good improvements in my judo and I'm feeling strong. So fingers crossed,” explains Conway.

Team mate Karina Bryant took the only medal for Britain at the 2009 Senior World Championships, winning silver, and will be contesting the +78kg weight category.

Sarah Clark along with Bryant finished in 5th place at the last Grand Slam in Tokyo. With the New Year ahead, Clark will be looking to step up her game and push for a medal in the -63kg competition. Clark also has form at this event winning a silver medal in 2004 and a bronze in 2005.

Finishing the line up, James Millar and Colin Oates will compete in the -60kg and -66kg categories respectively.

Matt Purssey has been selected at -90kg after a promising performance and bronze medal win in the Belgium Open. Ashley McKenzie last year’s under 23 European bronze medal winner and 5th place in the Tokyo Grand Slam is another selection at -60kg.

© David Finch

Sally Conway at the 2009 world Championships

Media Contact:

Nicola Turner

British Judo Association

(t) 01509 631692/07854 244343

nicola.turner@britishjudo.org.uk