The British Judo Association has named a 20-strong team for the 2010 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, on 9 to 13 September.
The 27th edition of the famed event, which was previously held every two years, is being staged in consecutive years for the first time in its 54-year history, and will now be held on an annual basis in all but Olympic years.
Judo’s much-anticipated marquee event has also introduced two places in each weight category for each country which has seen the GB party - the second World Championship team under Head Coach Patrick Roux - increase from 14 players in 2009 to 20 this year.
Seven members of the talented team train at the JudoScotland’s National Training Centre in Ratho. They include Scot and 2007 World Championship bronze medallist, Euan Burton - one of the titans of British Judo. James Millar, will make his second appearance at the World Championships, while James Austin will grace one of the sport’s greatest stages for the first time.
2010 British Open winner Sarah Adlington will also have her inaugural experience of the World Championships while Sally Conway and Kimberley Renicks, both of whom were in the 2009 party, will also feature.
Former European Champion Sarah Clark will take part subject to a fitness test.
Eight English fighters will make the step up in Tokyo as Shropshire teenager Kelly Edwards, Wolverhampton’s Gemma Howell, 21-year-old Megan Fletcher and Camberley’s Danny Williams join 23-year-old Michael Horley, Devon’s Scarlett Woolcock, 23-year-old Gemma Gibbons and Tom Reed in making their World Championship debuts.
Former four-time European Champion Karina Bryant, fellow veteran Winston Gordon, Ashley McKenzie, Faith Pitman and Colin Oates will also compete.
Margaret Hicks, British Judo’s Performance Director, said: "The 2010 World Championships Team for Tokyo has been selected with two goals in mind; one for experienced players who are connecting successfully at the elite level to perform at this event and the second for development players to continue to make the right progressions.
"A larger team is possible for this World Championships as two players are allowed per weight category, unlike the 2012 London Olympics where only one qualified player per country is permitted. We had some good performances in the Grand Slam in Tokyo at the end of last year and we have built on this experience to ensure our players are used to competing and training in Japan."
David Somerville, sportscotland institute of sport, National High Performance Judo Coach, said: "I am very pleased for the athletes selected and all of them should be proud of their achievement in being selected to represent Great Britain at a World Championships.
"However moving towards 2012 it is now important players demonstrate the ability to produce world class performances on the world stage. The 2010 World Championships will provide valuable experience for all team members in the preparation for the London Olympics."
Under 100kg star Peter Cousins and West Lothian’s 100kg talent Chris Sherrington both miss out through injury.
Full team listing including home towns and ages