Gemma Howell wins bronze medal at Cancun Grand Prix
Telford judoka Gemma Howell made it four medals in four world ranking competitions since moving up to -70kg with a bronze at the Cancun Grand Prix.
The London 2012 Olympian has proven to be a tough customer at her new weight and ground out some good wins.
Against Lea Pueschel (GER) in the opening round, Howell went ahead by waza-ari early on and showed good contest management to see out the fight.
In the quarter-final against Amanda Oliveira, Howell took the lead late on and again showed her contest management to hold off a late surge by the Brazilian and book her spot in the semi-finals.
Maria Bernabeu was another step up for the British judoka but she made it tough for her opponent, losing out by just a waza-ari in the end.
In the bronze medal match against Barbara Timo (BRA), Howell finally got to show her newaza skills as she transitioned well from an attack into osaekomi. From there she showed impressive strength to hold down the Brazilian despite being in an awkward position.
Howell said: “I’m really happy to get my second Grand Prix medal at my new weight category. Hopefully I will get selected for the World Championships and I can keep this run going”
Powys fighter Natalie Powell (-78kg) and Shrewsbury's Sarah Adlington (+78kg) begin their quest for medals on Sunday, with the action starting at 5pm UK time.
