The 40th Anniversary of the British Open Championships will mark the international return of European bronze medallist Winston Gordon, following 10 months out of action with an injury.

The Athens Olympian will face British competition in the –90kg weight category in the form of European bronze medallist Peter Cousins, and the reigning British Open Champion Bobby Rich.

The 40th Anniversary, which is taking place at K2 in Crawley, West Sussex on the 27th-28th January, promises to have some fantastic judo on display. The tournament first took place at Crystal Palace in December 1966 with just 75 players taking part, including international teams from Germany, Holland and France.

This year will see over 300 players compete and coming from further afield including the USA, Canada, Malta, Portugal, France, Ireland, Germany, Belgium, Uganda, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland to name a few.

The USA team contains a record 48 players including former Junior World Champion Rhonda Rousey in the women’s –63kg weight category who will undoubtly be the major threat at the weekend for Brit European Champion Sarah Clark

In 1966 one of the three British golds was won by George Kerr, now President of the British Judo Association, who will be on hand to enjoy the action 40 years on.

Commenting he said, “The British Open in 1966 was the first ever individual judo tournament held in this country. Although 40 years on there are many such events up and down the country each year, the British Open remains special.

“Back then, it was a prestigious honour to compete and I hope that the competitors still feel the same way today.”

British ones to watch over the weekend include European bronze medallist Euan Burton (-81kg), Commonwealth Champion Samantha Lowe (-70kg), British Champion Matthew Purrsey (-73kg), Olympian and three times European medallist Michelle Rogers (-78kg), as well as 2006 Junior World silver medallist Sally Conway (-70kg).

Densign White, Chairman of the British Judo Association said, “2007 is an important year as we head ever closer to the qualification period for Beijing. To have the first international of the year in Britain will be of great benefit to our players.”

“I look forward to seeing some fantastic action over the two days”.

Weight categories competing on Saturday:

Men: -60, -66, -73kg     

Women: -63, -70, -78 +78kg

Weight categories competing on Sunday:

Men: -81, -90, -100, +100kg   

Women: -48, -52, -57kg

Tickets are available on the door priced £10 for adults per day (£16 for a weekend ticket). Children and concessions are priced £5 per day (7.50 for the weekend). The event starts at 9am both days – entry allowed throughout the day.

Media Contact:

Emma Reed               

Head of Communications             

British Judo         

Tel: 01509 631 692         

Mobile   07875 368 495               

emmareed@britishjudo.org.uk