Hall targets more success in Hamburg

Team GB performance director Gary Hall believes his taekwondo squad can raise their game again at the German Open this weekend.

Hall will lead a 14-strong group in Hamburg, with Sarah Stevenson the only Olympic hopeful absent as she recovers from injury.

Having delivered four medals from the 2011 World Championships, Hall is determined to continue their progression as the London Games edge ever closer.

"The team unity and spirit is really strong," Hall said.

"I am expecting some great performances to come from the team because everyone has done a good job.

"The German Open is one of the strongest Open competitions. It is a tournament with a depth of quality and quantity.

"It doesn't provide the exact same challenge as the Olympics, but it is a challenge and so the team must raise its game.

"Every single one of the athletes is looking forward to competing."

Former world kick-boxing champion Damon Sasum will compete in the -80kgs division, which also sees Aaron Cook, who is training outside the Team GB group, look to build on his recent success at the US Open. Liverpudlian Martin Stamper will defend his -68kg title.

Welsh fighter Jade Jones, silver medallist at the World Championships, will be in action on Sunday in the -57kgs. Bianca Walkden, potentially Stevenson's understudy, will be in action at +73kgs.

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