14th December 2018

Rebecca McGowan is fast becoming the scourge of the world’s leading taekwondo fighters to cap a superb day of performances for GB athletes at the World Taekwondo Grand Slam in Wuxi, China.

The Scottish teenager is one of five GB Taekwondo fighters through to the semi-finals of the lucrative tournament after victory over reigning Olympic champion, Zheng Shuyin.

The Chinese favourite was left in tears after a controversial end to her heavyweight contest with 18-year-old McGowan from Dumbarton.

Shuyin, who defeated double world champion, Bianca Walkden at the last two World Grand Prix events, claimed McGowan should have been penalised for stepping out off the mat at the end of the contest.

Despite protests, McGowan, a Manchester Grand Prix match winner over world champion Milica Mandic, was awarded the decision to join Liverpudlian teammate Walkden in the last four.

“I’m really happy with how the fight went, my coach and I came up with a plan and I committed to it throughout the match,” said McGowan following her win.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring now, I’m going to do exactly what I did today – figure out a plan and stick to it, no matter what!”

‘Queen B’ followed up her last 16 bye by knocking out another Chinese contender, Chen Li.

Jade Jones, the London and Rio Olympic gold medallist, qualified for the semis with victory against China’s Zongshi Luo.

Lauren Williams made it four wins out of four for the British girls with victory against America’s Paige McPherson.

Yorkshireman Bradly Sinden, like his teammates, remains on course for a £52,000 first prize with a quarter-final success over Turkey’s Hakan Recber.

Lutalo Muhammad narrowly failed to complete a full house of British wins, going down 2-0 against Hongyi Sun.

The winners of tomorrow’s semi-finals will qualify for Sunday’s final while the two losers will fight off for the bronze medal.

The Grand Slam format also allows for the runners-up and third place athletes to receive cash prizes of £16,000 and £4,000 respectively.

 

Schedule:

December 15: Semi-Final matches

December 16: Finals