KELLY Edwards' first competition of 2008 resulted in a gold at the Commonwealth Judo Championships in Mauritius.

Despite hot temperatures and very high humidity, the Kidderminster Samurai Judo Club girl had little difficulty in the junior under 20 years event.

The sixteen-year-old clocked up maximum points against players from India, Mauritius and South Africa on her way to the final where another maximum-point win against a Scottish girl earned her the gold medal.

The next day, Edwards also entered the senior event and made her way to the semi-final with another series of maximum-point wins.

But a controversial decision against a girl from Cameroon in the semi-final cost her the contest, although she came back to win the bronze comfortably.

Meanwhile, Samurai also took three silvers at the strong North-West Senior Open.

James Talbot had a series of good wins to get to the final of his category before losing to a good player with David Sullivan also getting bronze in the same category.

In the women's veterans, Sue Cosnett reached her final in style and was looking comfortable against a fourth dan.

But she sustained a knee injury and had to withdraw before accepting silver.

In the weight category above, Rachel Griffiths reached the final but was dwarfed by a huge woman who beat her on the ground to leave her with the bronze.