Christian McNeish will be battling it out in the -74kg weight division on Sunday 25th June.

Performance Director Gary Hall is excited by prospects for GB Taekwondo’s prospects at the WTF World Championships starting in Muju, Korea today. (Saturday)

“It is the most talented team in depth to leave British shores for a World Championship ever,” says Hall of the 14-strong Manchester trained squad.

“We have got World Champions, European Champions, and Olympic Games gold medallists,” he added.

“But we also have some new and developing players who are really moving forward through the world class talent initiative (Fighting Chance) we have in Manchester.

“Having said that it will be a tough challenge but one all the athletes and staff are looking forward to,” said Hall.

Headed by Sarah Stevenson’s gold in South Korea six years ago, GB Taekwondo gained a record breaking four medal haul.

Two years later there was disappointment as the squad returned empty handed from Mexico. But with reigning champion Bianca Walkden leading the way in 2015, the Brits picked up three medals

“We have a UK Sport stated target of two to three medals,” confirmed Hall. “But they are not always something you can predict.

“However, in terms of potential we could well beat what we achieved in Russia.”

For Londoner Christian McNeish, this will be his first World Championship fighting in the senior ranks having competed at youth level in 2014.

Having started at -68kg, McNeish now competes at -74kg and is one of the first of the eager British contingent in action.

“I have had some good performances this year which have boosted my confidence,” says McNeish, 20.

“Probably the most pleasing was winning at the Moldovan Open. I fought the best I have fought in a while.

“If I can fight like that at the Worlds and also feel relaxed and not have the pressure, I am confident I can put in a good performance.”

*London’s Copper Box Arena is hosting the World Taekwondo Grand Prix from October 20-22. Tickets are now on sale via http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/taekwondo

Schedule:

Saturday June 24

(W-46kg and M-54kg prelims) – Hassan Haider

Sunday June 25
(W-49kg and M-74kg prelims) – Courtney Eardley & Christian McNeish (W-46kg and M-54kg FINALS) – Hassan Haider

Monday June 26
(W-67kg and M-68kg prelims) – Lauren Williams & Peter Longobardi-Radford W-49kg and M-74kg FINALS) – Courtney Eardley & Christian McNeish

Tuesday June 27
(W-53kg, W+73kg and M-58kg prelims) – Bianca Walkden & Max Cater (W-67kg and M-68kg FINALS) – Lauren Williams & Peter Longobardi-Radford
Wednesday June 28
(W-73kg, M-87 and M+87kg prelims) – Jade Slavin, Lutalo Muhammad & Mahama Cho (W-53kg, W+73kg and M-58kg FINALS) – Bianca Walkden & Max Cater

Thursday June 29
(W-57kg and M-63kg prelims) – Jade Jones & Bradly Sinden (W-73kg, M-87 and M+87kg FINALS) – Jade Slavin, Lutalo Muhammad & Mahama Cho

Friday June 30
(W-62kg and M-80kg prelims & FINALS) – Rachelle Booth, Damon Sansum (W-57kg and M-63kg FINALS) – Jade Jones & Bradly Sinden