World Championships Tokyo 2010

There is a little over a month to go before the World Championships which will be held this year in Tokyo. This is an important stage for many reasons in the qualification process for the Olympic Games in London in 2012.

In terms of preparation it will be a good indicator of potential. As for qualification points, it will be a real boost for the world ranking positions of all those able to medal or come close. From a spectator point of view it promises, with a line of up of the world's best, to be fascinating viewing both live (for those who can make it to Tokyo) and via the internet Judo TV service.

Much of the speculation is focused on the strength of the Japanese team. With two athletes allowed per weight there will be top quality judoka aplenty. The Japanese men's team is unlikely to perform as poorly as they did in Rotterdam where only Hiroaki Hiraoka made it to a final (Anai picking up a bronze medal). It was the Japanese women (three gold and two bronze) who put their nation at the top of the medal table and there is every likelihood that they will improve on that number. Fukumi (-48kg), Nakamura (-52kg the world's highest rated judoka) and Ueno (-63kg) are all back to defend their titles. With Matsumoto (-57kg) fit and well she will be the one to beat in her category. Tsukada and Tachimoto (+78) won't have Tong (CHN) to worry about so it could be one of these who takes the title. That is unless Bryant (GBR) can find the only podium spot to have eluded her at a senior world championships.