PREVIEW | GB Judo Head to Poland and Czech Republic
Following a busy start to the judo squad, a squad of six GB senior judoka will take to the mat. The male squad will travel to Katowice, Poland while the female squad will compete in Prague, Czech Republic on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th March.
Katowice European Open, Poland
Gregg Varey throws for Ippon on his way to a victory at Glasgow
Looking to build upon recent good results at European Opens in February, the squad consists of three judoka with potential for medals. Gregg Varey (-66kg), Eric Ham (-73kg) and James Hayes (-81kg) will be making the trip to Poland with Gregg and James both making their first appearances of the season, with their last appearance on the mat coming back in October 2016 at the European Open in Glasgow.
At the age of just 19, Eric Ham is looking like a exciting prospect in the -73kg category with a seventh place finish to his name at the Rome European Open in February. Following a promising junior career where he claimed five junior medals in Continental competition, the hopes are high for the judoka from Glossop Judo Club. In a wide open field, Ham will be hoping that he can spring a surprise on a field where the top ranked judoka in his weight category is in the form of World No.38 Jaromir Jezek.
The competition starts at 9:00am GMT with a live steam that could be found via eju.net and the full draw will be on ippon.org. Follow British Judo on Twitter for medal results throughout the weekend.
Prague European Open, Czech Republic
Kelly Staddon on her way to becoming British Champion at -48kg
A three strong female team consisting of Kelly Staddon (-48kg), Emma Reid (-78kg), Michelle Boyle (+78kg) will be looking to put behind some early exits behind them in 2017 competition.
With Kelly Staddon the most experienced member of the team at just 22 years of age, this demonstrates the depth of womens judo in Great Britain at the moment. She will be making her second appearance of the season following a second round exit to eventual Bronze medalist Yujeong Kang (KOR) in Oberwart, Portgual in February. With a field of 29 entered, it will be a tough challenge for Staddon but one that she is relishing.
Following a 7th place finish in the -78kg category in Glasgow in October 2016, Emma Reid is looking to stake a claim for a place in future Continental Opens as she takes to the mat for the first time since the European Open in Malaga back in October.
The competition starts at 8:00am GMT with a live steam that could be found via eju.net and the full draw will be on ippon.org. Follow British Judo on Twitter for medal results throughout the weekend.
