Braintree's Simon Williams is a man with a mission - to compete in the World Karate Championships.

Simon, 25, was close to becoming the new National Champion last week, when he failed by just 0.1 of a point and had to settle for runners-up position after being beaten by top ranked Tony Anderson in the final, which was staged in Leyton.

The championships, which were run on Toyakwai Federation rules, attracted 30 competitors, and although finishing second, Simon was not too disheartened.

He said "To lose to Tony Anderson is not a disgrace although to lose by such a small margin was naturally, disappointing."

Simon, who works for an electrical company in Braintree, has been practising the art of karate since he was five years old, and is a fourth dan.

He was a member of the Great Britain squad that was in Germany in March for an international competition, and he is now aiming to get the sport of karate recognised more widely.

"I am seeking potential sponsors, not necessarily for myself, but to create opportunities for juniors and seniors in the future, Simon added.

"Many competitors have to pay to travel to tournaments out of their own pockets, and many cannot afford to, and so we lose several potential stars."

Any person or business who may be interested in providing sponsorship, is invited to telephone Simon on 01376 322930 (after 5.30pm) for further details.

Karate man Simon Williams.

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