TOM Reed says that he needs to concentrate on his own performances, rather than those of his Great Britain rivals, as he battles for top spot in the Men’s U81kg division.

The Devizes player won silver at the EJU World Cup event in Vienna last weekend and is still ranked second behind Scotland’s Euan Burton.

“I’m pleased with my performance in Vienna and it’s a good step forward for me,” said Devizes Judo Club member Reed.

“I’m vying with Euan for that top spot but I don’t want to get too focussed on beating him. I’ve fallen into that trap before and I want to think about what I’m doing.

“There’s a whole world out there and I can only control what I do.”

Reed won four of his five fights but was beaten in the final by Japan’s Takahiro Nakai.

The 24 year-old, who is currently studying business at the University of Bath, has his sights set on competing in the World Championships in Tokyo this September.

“It’s the first time two people will be picked from each weight category for Great Britain so I’ve got a good chance of being selected,” said Team Bath player Reed.“I’ve got a good few months to get myself ready for it.

“I’ve fought there once before but there’s always something special about competing in Japan.”

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