New World No.1 Powell ready for challenge to stay at the top

The 27-year-old replaced Brazil's Mayra Aguiar as the -78kg world number one after winning gold at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam.

The victory, which came less than two weeks after Powell's birthday, pushed her 110 points ahead of the Brazilian but the number one spot could change hands again before the year is out with the next Grand Slam coming in Tokyo next month.

The career landmark comes at the end of a stellar few months for the reigning Commonwealth champion, who won her second European medal in April, before going on to claim Grand Slam and Grand Prix silver.

This rise to global judo glory is incredibly impressive considering Powell only reached a Grand Slam final for the first time in May, but she will not relax until she is the undisputed best.

Not only does the World Championship bronze medallist have to worry about Aguiar looming as world number two, but she seems to struggle against Japanese opponents – losing to them four times this year.

"I think being the first number one for Britain is pretty cool, it's amazing," she said.

"I was just really happy. It's always been a goal of mine to get there.

"I've still got a lot of work to do and there's still the Japanese girls I really need to get to grips with and consistently start beating them and the Brazilian girl as well.

"I know I've made it to number one but I've really got to work hard on staying there, but to get there first is something that's really important to me."

Sportsbeat 2017