Karina Bryant to compete at the 2012 IJF Masters in Kazakhstan
The star-studded event features the world’s top 16 judoka in each weight category, according to the International Judo Federation world rankings, which produces a field brimming with continental, world and Olympic champions.
In the +78kg category Karina Bryant, 32, who took bronze at the Qingdao Grand Prix in December, will compete as the world number 16.
The blockbuster competition is the sport’s third-highest points scoring event behind only the Olympic Games and world championships.
400 points are available for a gold medal, 240 for a silver medal while 160 points will go to bronze medallists. 80 points will be awarded to judoka finishing in fifth-place.
In keeping with Grand Slam events there is no repechage system in effect at the Masters event.
British Judo Performance Operations Manager Karen Roberts said: “The 2012 IJF Masters represent a good opportunity for Euan and Karina to move further up the world rankings and push for a place in the top eight which would see them seeded at the Olympic Games.
“We have been awarded the full quota of 14 home qualification places for the Games so the next challenge is to for players to be seeded.
“The Masters event will be the highest world ranking points scoring event before the Games and so the competition will intensify this year in Kazakhstan."
