21st September 2017

Double Olympic champion, Jade Jones, and double World Championship gold medallist, Bianca Walkden, are part of a strong GB Taekwondo squad competing in the first ever World Taekwondo Grand Prix event in Africa this weekend. (September 22-24)

And with London’s first ever World Taekwondo Grand Prix taking place next month, it’s the start of a busy schedule for the Manchester trained team.

For Welsh wonder Jones, her appearance in the Moroccan city of Rabat will be her first outing since winning bronze at the World Championship in Muju, South Korea.

Liverpudlian heavyweight Walkden, however, returned to the mat after completing her historic global double and duly won a Grand Prix title in Moscow.

Indeed, all but one of the gold medallists from Moscow are in action over the next three days.

Britain’s other World medallists, Mahama Cho and Damon Sansum are also competing in Rabat.

For team mate, Bradly Sinden, the Grand Prix represents a second trip to Morocco this year.

“I competed at the President’s Cup in Agadir and came away with bronze,” said the Yorkshire youngster who fights alongside Peter Longobardi-Radford at -68kg.

“Hopefully, that’s an omen and I can pick up another medal.

“I haven’t competed since just after the Worlds so I can’t wait to get back into action.

“I am feeling sharp and looking forward to the competition.”

As with all Grand Prix events, featuring the world’s top stars, there is chance to earn prize money as well as medals and ranking points.  Every champion will pick up a $5,000 dollar cheque.

Following the Rabat event, the Grand Prix series moves to the Copper Box Arena at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park from October 20-22.

And for the first time, Britain’s leading Paralympic star, Amy Truesdale, will also be battling the world’s best at the World Para Taekwondo Championships alongside newcomers, Leif Thobroe, Matt Bush, Joseph Lane and Katy Elay on 19 October.

Tickets are now on sale for both events at: www.ticketmaster.co.uk/taekwondo and https://www.seetickets.com/tour/world-taekwondo-championships

 

Schedule:

Friday:

Male:

+80kg: Mahama Cho (Stockwell)

Female:

-67kg: Lauren Williams (Newport, Wales)

+67kg: Jade Slavin (Consett), Bianca Walkden (Liverpool)

 

Saturday:

 Male:

-58kg: Max Cater (Southampton)

-80kg: Damon Sansum (Elgin)

 

Sunday:

Male:

-68kg: Peter Longobardi-Radford (Rye), Bradly Sinden (Doncaster)

Female:

-57kg: Jade Jones (Flint)