Masters up in arms
BILL LOTHIAN
BILL LOTHIAN
JUDO SCOTLAND today hit back at a claim they have sacrificed a Masters event at the National Open in Meadowbank this weekend to provide more mat opportunities for those in other categories.
Commonwealth seniors medallist Frank Taylor, 45, from Edinburgh, has urged organisers to overturn an earlier decision to pull the plug on age-group competition in what he admits is a highly successful two-day gathering regardless.
"It is a disgrace that in order to accommodate more players and keep the tournament more manageable veterans are made the scapegoat," said Taylor, a joiner.
He added: "What makes matters worse is that in addition to all the training that has been put in by would-be competitors many have already booked to fly to Edinburgh.
"For example, I am particularly aware of an Irish contingent who now face having to change their plans.
"The problem, I'm convinced, is so many entries that the organisers don't want to be running well into the evening but there could be a price to pay so far as the sport at large is concerned.
"Many juniors are attracted through relatives and if these Masters contenders walk away then overall judo will suffer.
"On a personal level I am considering handing back my players' licence I have been pleased to hold for over seven years after taking up the sport late as well as my Commonwealth seniors silver and European bronze in the +100kgs categories."
Peter Gardiner, organiser of the Scottish Open, denied dispensing with Masters to free up mat time for others.
Gardiner said: "Having waited until entries closed earlier this week a decision had then to be taken that, if virtually nobody is competing, competitors can't be asked to travel for just one contest.
"We have asked veterans if they want to compete in the Open section and overall the situation affecting Masters is in contrast to what will be the best competition ever staged and including world junior champions.
"With 365 players from 11 countries competing over two days we are well satisfied with the content and quality though it would have been possible, using four mats, to include up to 600 players.
"It would have been the best problem in the world if we'd had too many competitors for our facilities. Sadly, as with the last three years, the Masters has been cancelled but in sympathising with the frustrations of those who had been hoping to be involved there will be still be plenty of action including players from the home countries, Spain, Germany and Belgium." Fonte: Scotsman - United Kingdom - http://sport.scotsman.com/i
He added: "What makes matters worse is that in addition to all the training that has been put in by would-be competitors many have already booked to fly to Edinburgh.
"For example, I am particularly aware of an Irish contingent who now face having to change their plans.
"The problem, I'm convinced, is so many entries that the organisers don't want to be running well into the evening but there could be a price to pay so far as the sport at large is concerned.
"Many juniors are attracted through relatives and if these Masters contenders walk away then overall judo will suffer.
"On a personal level I am considering handing back my players' licence I have been pleased to hold for over seven years after taking up the sport late as well as my Commonwealth seniors silver and European bronze in the +100kgs categories."
Peter Gardiner, organiser of the Scottish Open, denied dispensing with Masters to free up mat time for others.
Gardiner said: "Having waited until entries closed earlier this week a decision had then to be taken that, if virtually nobody is competing, competitors can't be asked to travel for just one contest.
"We have asked veterans if they want to compete in the Open section and overall the situation affecting Masters is in contrast to what will be the best competition ever staged and including world junior champions.
"With 365 players from 11 countries competing over two days we are well satisfied with the content and quality though it would have been possible, using four mats, to include up to 600 players.
"It would have been the best problem in the world if we'd had too many competitors for our facilities. Sadly, as with the last three years, the Masters has been cancelled but in sympathising with the frustrations of those who had been hoping to be involved there will be still be plenty of action including players from the home countries, Spain, Germany and Belgium." Fonte: Scotsman - United Kingdom - http://sport.scotsman.com/i
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