Oates is back in the game with Zagreb offering full qualification points

The Olympic qualification reached half-time, which means our athletes will continue competing for decisive qualifying points. However, from this weekend onwards, any qualification points earned will be fully allocated towards the 2016 Summer Games.

The first destination to gain these crucial points will be the Croatian Grand Prix which is taking place this weekend in the capital city, Zagreb. Last year at the same tournament, Team GB Judo stars returned with two bronze medals and many more respective places earned. This year with the delegation of 17 players, no doubt we will witness once again an incredible performance from the team.

The event will be spread across three days with nearly 500 judokas competing, which almost doubles last years’ entry list. Tomorrow two male and three female categories will be in action, including 2014 Baku Grand Slam winner Colin Oates, who will step on the mat for the first time this year after recovering from an injury he picked up early this year. “First event back on the tour this year, strangely excited…” Oates stated earlier on social media.

Number two seed, Oates, will face the winner of Gomboc (SLO) vs Khachatrian (UKR) as his first contest. In the same weight category Nathon Burns will meet Beta (POL), whilst his team-mate, Ashley McKenzie will battle a weight below against Englmaier (GER) to go through to the second round.

Across the female weight categories, British Judo will have interest in the -52kg and the -57kg categories. Kelly Edwards will up against Bekic (CRO), whilst Nekoda Davis will take Beauchemin-Pinard (CAN) as the first challenge of the day.

Check out the rest of the draw on http://www.ippon.org/gp_cro2015.php

The competition will start at 9AM (GMT). Follow all the live action via http://134.213.29.25/live/index.php?channel=com

ZAGRAB GRAND PRIX

FRIDAY:

Ashley McKenzie -60kg

Colin Oates -66kg

Nathon Burns -66kg

Kelly Edwards -52kg

Nekoda Davis -57kg

SATURDAY:

Danny Williams -73kg

Owen Livesey -81kg

Gemma Howell -63kg

Alice Schlesinger -63kg

Megan Fletcher -70kg

Sally Conway -70kg

SUNDAY:

Gary Hall -90kg

Ben Fletcher -100kg

Philip Awiti-Alcaraz -100kg

Natalie Powell -78kg

Gemma Gibbons -78kg

Jodie Myers +78kg