Sugden seals World Cup crown at Tokyo test event

Two-time Paralympian Louise Sugden added to GB’s medal haul at the Tokyo 2019 World Para Powerlifting World Cup, claiming gold in the women’s -86kg category.

Following silvers for Ali Jawad and Micky Yule on the opening day, 35-year-old Sugden fended off competition from Korea’s Youngsun Lee, beating her opponent by 22kg.

The former wheelchair basketballer recorded personal best lifts of 121kg and 122kg to earn valuable Paralympic ranking points, as she continues her quest to qualify for next year’s Games.

And having admitted she has endured a tough period since her seventh-place finish at the World Championships in July, Sugden was delighted to get back on track in Japan.

She said: “I came to the Ready Steady Tokyo test event to strengthen my ranking position and today I did just that.

“I’d never had those weights on the bar, so I’m absolutely delighted with my performance, especially because it’s been a tough training block since the Worlds where not much has gone right.

“I’m ready to put all that behind me and get some serious work done between now and the end of the year.”