Reigning Champion Walkden Guaranteed Another World Medal
Bianca Walkden is just two fights away from making GB Taekwondo history at the World Championships in Muju, South Korea.
The Liverpool heavyweight is already guaranteed Britain’s first medal of the tournament after reaching the semi-finals of the +73kg weight division.
But the Rio 2016 bronze medallist wants to turn her bronze medal into the retention of her world title-a feat no other Briton has achieved.
Walkden returns to action tomorrow night (Tuesday) against South Korea’s Asian champion, Sae-bom An.
The other semi-final features her Rio semi-final conqueror, Zheng Shuyin of China against American Jackie Galloway.
After Monday’s disappointments and quarter-final defeats for Lauren Williams and Peter Longobardi-Radford, Walkden put the smiles back on her team mates faces with three cracking wins.
After a first round bye, Walkden dropped only 11 points in her three bouts, scoring 56 in reply and culminating in a 10-2, last eight success over Russian Olga Ivanova.
”So far so good,” said Walkden. “It’s a nice feeling being in the semi-finals.
“I would much rather it all be over in one day but it isn’t bad knowing I am through. Hopefully, I can do the business tomorrow.
“It’s going to be tough but deep down I have got more confidence now in what I can do and how we train.
After beating opposition from Afghanistan and Iceland, the London-born youngster lost 16-5 to home favourite Yun-Jo Jeong in the last 16.
All semi-final and finals will be shown on the BBC red button, Connected TV and the BBC Sport website from 11am-1.15pm.
*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:
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