Jiu Jitsu: World title glory for Sophie Cox

Abu Dhabi world Jiu Jitsu glory for Sophie Cox

Littleborough's double Judo Olympian Sophie Cox won the world title with a series of superb performances at the Abu Dhabi World Professional UAE Jiu Jitsu Championship.

Contesting the adult blue belt lightweight bracket (u-62k) Sophie emerged victorious after four tough fights.

After the competition, Sophie said: "I was really pleased with the way I maintained an intense level of concentration, discipline and patience. This was shown by the fact that my opponents didn't register a score against me in any of my contests.

"My first round opponent withdrew at the last minute so I had to readjust mentally to a long wait before fighting. In the second round Marina Spasovski from Denmark provided determined opposition. I kept tight control throughout the contest for a three point to nil plus two advantage points victory.

"Brazil dominates the Jiu Jitsu world at the moment so a quarter final win against Thanatos da Costa Manso proved that I could beat the best in the world. I secured an early two point score with a judo take down. I grappled hard to get two advantage points and the eventual win saw me through to the semi-final.

"Experience has taught me that your first fight and the semi final of any competition are the most crucial. A semi-final is nerve-wracking. You can go from a possible gold or silver medal to losing for bronze in the repercharge and ending up in fifth place. On paper I wasn't the favourite against another Brazilian, Thamires Monteiro. However, I had confidence in my strength, mental and physical, and my technique. I dominated from the start and won a bruising contest with three points and two advantages.

"So to the final. At 19, Kladia Mitko from Poland is one of the rising young stars of Jiu Jitsu. Technically she is outstanding. Having fought and beaten her in the final of the British Pro I knew I would be involved in an epic encounter. I attacked from the onset and gained two points for a take down. During the next five minutes I blocked all her attempted attacks, getting two advantages and giving her no opportunity to counter. The world title was mine."

Asked about future Jiu Jitsu competitions Sophie replied: "In the immediate future I have Judo coaching commitments in Sweden and BJJ coaching in Denmark. In addition I am an athlete mentor working for the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust in Liverpool for their Get on Track initiative. I'm definitely up for the World Judo Masters in Sardinia in September, but for the next few weeks I'm giving my body a chance to recover, spend time with my family, and reflect on a memorable result in Abu Dhabi."

The championship attracted 7,000 athletes from100 counties. The two week festival of Jiu Jitsu involved all belts, juveniles, parathletes, adults, masters and legends.