American champ holds no fears for Cook

BRITAIN'S Aaron Cook has warned American Steven Lopez he is targeting his Olympic taekwondo title this summer.

The 17-year-old - who will compete in the -80kg category in Beijing - became the first British male to be crowned World Junior Champion when he defeated Korean Yeong Rae in Turkey on May 12.

Cook's groundbreaking victory came as little to surprise to those in the know with the teenager in possession of Youth Olympic Festival gold and the Commonwealth title.

And despite the talented teenager admitting London 2012 may represent his best opportunity for Olympic gold he warned Lopez, who has won four consecutive World titles, to underestimate him at his peril.

He said: "It's been a great couple of weeks becoming the first ever male world champion and now to be going to Beijing is fantastic - You can't get better than that!

"Everyone loves the Olympics and it's been a childhood dream since I started the sport and for me it's about experience that will stand me in good stead for 2012.

"But I think I've got a really good chance and I'm maybe a bit of a dark horse in this tournament.

"I've beaten five or six of the opponents going to the Games and there are only 16 athletes competing, so I have a chance.

"Steven Lopez, the two-time Olympic champion, is the greatest taekwondo fighter out there at the moment and he's in my weight - so he'll be the one to beat.

"But I think I have enough in my armoury to give him a good fight and on the day who knows what can happen?"

SIMON FARR