ADRENALINE has never been in short supply for York judo ace Rob Thomas - but now he has netted the Buzz.

The Buzz Bar in Swinegate - York's only Japanese sushi restaurant - has shelled out a sponsorship deal to help Thomas claw towards success at the World Judo Masters event in Japan during the summer.

Buzz bar manager Hong Son Poc told the Evening Press it was 'only fitting' that a Japanese restaurant should help the judo star's bid to shine in the Land of the Rising Sun.

So after serving up a rice and easy treat for the former Great Britain international, whose appetite for the competitive arena is back with a bang after a self-imposed two-year exile, the Buzz bar staff handed over a cheque chop-chop to Thomas.

Said 38-year-old Thomas: "Getting back into the swing of things with the Masters tournament has given me a big buzz. Now I've got the real thing behind me."

Thomas, who will compete in the Multi-European Championships in Norfolk next month, is also backed in his endeavours to compete in Japan, the spiritual home of martial arts, by Clifton Park-based firm Azlan Limited and the Emperor's Gymnasium in Skeldergate.

Updated: 12:05 Saturday, March 29, 2003