Six Brits will be looking to secure vital ranking points at this coming weekend’s Paris Grand Slam – a competition that carries big points as athletes push for Commonwealth Games qualification and to be in the best position possible ahead of this year’s Olympic qualification period.

The IJF (International Judo Federation) Paris Grand Slam event is one of the most prestigious events in the competition calendar, taking place at the Palais Omnisport at Paris Bercy between Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 February.

The new IJF refereeing and organisational rules will be applied for the first time, and with 500 points on offer for a gold, 300 for a silver and 200 for a bronze, GB’s athletes are hopeful of podium finishes, with attractive points awarded for placings too.

Experienced Olympians Sally Conway (-70kg) and Colin Oates (-66kg) will take to the tatami, along with twice Abu Dhabi Grand Prix silver medallist Natalie Powell (-78kg) during the two-day contest.

Conway, who this week broke into the top eight in the IJF world rankings in the -70kg class, gained a bronze medal at last year’s Baku Grand Slam and will be looking to build upon this success on Sunday.

She said: “I am really excited about competing in Paris this weekend. “I’m pleased to be starting the year being ranked eighth. This puts me in a good position to kick-start the year.

“I’ll be fighting in the first tournament of the year and I can’t wait to get stuck in. A result here will be a step closer to the Commonwealth Games, she added.

“Although the team hasn’t been selected yet, I really want to be there. If chosen I’ll get to compete in my home country – Scotland with a hugely supportive crowd. It’s going to be great!”

Oates, who gained a fifth in Paris this time last year (February 10), is looking to outdo his previous performance by taking a medal on Saturday:

“I am looking forward to competing in the first event of the year for me. “Paris has a big entry because it is high quality and a great challenge – and I do enjoy a challenge!”

Natalie Powell added that she was also keen to put in a strong performance at the start of the year and gain vital world ranking points.

The Welsh star, fights on Sunday, along with Sarah Adlington (+78kg), Moscow Grand Slam bronze medallist, who also finished fifth at the 2012 Paris event and Rijeka Grand Slam. Junior European bronze medallist Nekoda Davis (-57kg) and Glasgow European Open silver medallist Ben Fletcher (-100kg) will also compete in Paris.

“I have literally been dreaming about competing in the Paris Grand Slam,” said Nekoda who will open Saturday’s contest. “I have never been to the Paris tournament or camp before and I know this is a massive step in my career, although it is not my first Grand Slam as I did Moscow last year.

“The excitement of it all has been building for weeks now.

“I just can’t wait to get out there to feel the crowd and the stadium. I know I will be super nervous when the draws come out and I will know who I have for the first fight.”

However, she feels in great shape and ready for whatever challenges the tournament will bring: “My preparation at the centre has been great and I’m feeling confident I can deliver some of my best judo.

“Whatever happens from there on is out of my control, but I hope to gather a whole heap of experience.”

Ben Fletcher, who’ll fight on Sunday added: “Paris is one of the biggest tournaments there is, aside from the Masters and the Olympics, so I’m looking forward to competing and doing the best I can.”

The Low Down

The competition will be streamed live at www.ippon.tv with British Judo providing regular updates through Twitter, Facebook and www.britishjudo.org.uk. Action starts at 08:00 GMT (09:00 Central European Time (CET)) with the final block commencing at 15:00 (16:00 CET).

Words by Donna Richardson.

Fighting order

Saturday

Women : -48kg, -52kg, -57kg, -63kg Men : -60kg, -66kg, -73kg

Sunday

Women : -70kg, -78kg, +78kg Men : -81kg, -90kg, -100kg, +100kg