September 17 - British Judo has today confirmed that 27 countries will compete in the 2009 GB World Cup for both men and women, supported by UK Sport's World Class events programme, at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, on Saturday and Sunday.



Around 265 competitors will entertain the crowds over the two days during the first ever World Cup to be held in Britain for both men and women.
 

The 49-strong British Team, who as hosts can enter up to four players per weight category, includes Colleen Kerr in the -63kg class, Sally Conway in the -70kg, Sarah Adlington in the +78kg and Faith Pitman in the -63kg who were the gold medal winners from last year’s GB World Cup.


Sarah Clark, the European silver medallist will be competing in the  -63kg, and, after the disappointment of going out in the first round at the World Championships, she is determined to put in a strong and solid performance.


Countries confirmed include Germany, Russia, France, Brazil, Belgium, Austria, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Andorra, Ghana, Israel, Luxemburg, USA, Australia, Czech Republic, Finland, Slovakia, New Zealand, Latvia, Norway, Ireland, Lithuania, Sweden, Hungary and Great Britain.


There will also be lots of action off the mat for spectators including the chance to meet Japanese judo star Kosei Inoue who will be signing autographs on the concourse on both days of the event, alongside Britain’s World silver medallist Karina Bryant, who will also be available for photos.


Football fans will also have the opportunity on the Sunday to take photos of the Premier League Trophy, which will be on the concourse for parts of the day.

Tickets can purchased from The Ticket Factory on 0844 3388000.