Jade Jones makes her first competitive appearance of 2019 as part of a strong GB Taekwondo squad fighting at the Belgium Open in Lommel on Saturday. (March 16).

Wales’ double Olympic champion has never previously competed in the competition despite a success filled senior career stretching back to 2011.

However, Jones, who celebrates her 26th birthday later this month, has good reason to put on a medal-winning performance.

It’s now only two months until the World Championships start at the Manchester Arena (May 15-19)and the Welsh star is keen to put down a marker before starting her bid for what would be a first world crown.

“Training has been really been good,” said the world number one who hasn’t fought since winning silver at the World Grand Slam event in China last December.

“Normally, we taper and peak for the competition. But this time we have trained right through because it’s all about peaking for the worlds.

“So, I am looking forward to getting stuck in, to have some fights and practice the targets I will be doing for the world championships.

“I have seen the venue already and it looks amazing. Manchester always stage fantastic competitions I am sure it will be the best world championships ever.

Schedule

All fights on Saturday, March 16

Men:

-58kg: Hassan Haider (Falkirk)

-68kg: Josh Calland (Liverpool),Bradly Sinden (Doncaster)

-80kg: Damon Sansum (Elgin)

+87kg: Jonathan Bangura (Forest Gate), Mahama Cho (Stockwell), Brandon Jewell (Southampton), Jack Spall (Attleborough)

Women:

-57kg: Jade Jones (Flint), Emelye O’Brien (Bradford)