Manchester lands European Taekwondo Championships in 2012

By Sportsbeat staff

MANCHESTER will be given an early taste of what's to come at the London Olympics after winning the right to host the 2012 European Taekwondo Championships.

TASTER SESSION: World number one Sarah Stevenson is likely to be on show at the Europeans in Manchester

The dates of the competition are yet to be finalised but the championship is expected to take place approximately 12 weeks before the Games begin in London and should feature British medal contenders Sarah Stevenson and Aaron Cooke.

Taekwondo UK confirmed their bid to host the sport's final major international event earlier this month and it didn't take long for Manchester's Sportscity, which will host the British International Open this year,to be confirmed as the venue.

"This is fantastic news for taekwondo fans across the UK," said Jeremy Beard, chairman of Sport Taekwondo UK

"It provides us with a real chance to showcase the sport at a time when excitement will be growing ahead of the Olympics."

Reigning European champion and world number one Aaron Cook admits competing in Manchester will be the perfect dress rehearsal for London 2012.

"Having the event in Manchester gives the British team a great chance to get valuable experience and to win medals on home soil," said Cook

"To win a gold in front of our own fans would be amazing and I know that the British team will go all out to put on a great show."