GB taekwondo boss Gary Hall says next month¿s British Open has attracted a truly world class field.
Stern test awaits Olympic hopefuls in British Open in Manchester
Great Britain taekwondo performance director Gary Hall says next month's British Open has attracted a truly world class field.
Manchester's Regional Arena will host the fourth edition of the British Open on the first two days of October, and Hall is delighted with the entry list.
"Outside the World Championship, it is probably the best quality line-up assembled for an Open of this kind," said Hall. "Such is the success of the event that we've had to turn some teams away.
"And while one or two countries might not be represented, there are a significant amount of World and European champions coming to Manchester."
Britain's Olympic hopefuls will get a stern examination in Manchester, especially in the men's 68kg division with World Championship medalists Michael Harvey and Martin Stamper joining defending champion Tony Grisman and National champion Jordan Gayle.
World gold and silver medalists, Servet Tazegul of Turkey and Iran's Mohammad Motamed, plus Afghanistan's 2008 Olympic bronze medallist, Rohullah Nikpai, are also in contention.
Claims
"Anyone who comes through this field is putting themselves in with a good chance of staking their claim for next year," said Hall
Britain's former world number one Aaron Cook will compete in the 80kg category for the first time in the UK since quitting the GB programme last June.
He remains favourite for the one available slot in this division for London 2012, but there are challengers looking to stop him, including Andy Deer, Lutalo Muhammad, Ruebyn Richards and Damon Sansum.
"In the past it has been Aaron and no one else really behind him," explained Hall. "But now there are four guys who are going to really test him.
"And it's a good chance to prove themselves against world class opposition
Starlet
Welsh starlet Jade Jones is keen to add a first ever British Open senior title to her world silver medal in the 57kg class.
"In events like the Open and at this stage in our preparations, we target performances rather than medals," added Hall. "But while I don't expect a huge haul, I would be pleased to see a couple of medals from our team."
The British Open is also a first major competition since his appointment to the GB coaching set-up for Hungarian Joseph Salim.
"Over the last couple of months we've made changes to our coaching set," said Hall. "I now believe we have got one of the strongest, if not the strongest, coaching team in the world with the acquisition of Joseph.
"Paul Green and Steve Jennings have proven their credentials and Joseph has coached world gold medalists as well as winning European and World medals as a competitor."
