Flying the flag for New Malden

Leigh Baker

At the weekend the British Traditional Karate Squad entered the 1stEuropean Samurai Tournament in Leuven, Belgium. Kingston karate star LeighBaker came second in the Women's Individual Kata Event.

The tournament is the latest addition on the European Karate Circuit andwith over 40 countries represented and over 1,500 competitors it is alsoone of the largest.

Sponsor Mike Taylor said: "Well done Leigh from everyone atMcDonalds New Malden, I am over the moon".

Leigh said: I really enjoyed this competition and as it is only thesecond time that I have entered a women's category, and as I am only16 to come second in a European is a great feeling.

"Everyone at the competition kept asking where New Malden is as itis written on my karate suit. There are now a lot of European karatecompetitors who know that New Malden is in Surrey, England.

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