JUDO ace Rob Thomas is back in competitive action with a bang.

Thomas maintained an 18th annual medal haul in the North of England championships followed by triumph in a teams' event in St Helens.

Then - in spite of a severe knee injury - he took gold in his first Masters event, the Redcar Open.

The new chapter of success has assured Thomas that he is on the right track towards his major goal of competing in the first world Masters in Ireland in June. And that should lead to his ultimate goal of tackling the 2003 Masters in Japan, the very home of martial arts.

Thomas, now aged ?? and persuaded to return to the judo arena after an absence of almost two years, won the bronze medal in the over-100 kilogrammes title in the North of England championships.

It was his 18th appearance in the event and each time he has returned with a medal, though he has detected a subtle change in tactics than hen he was in his pomp.

But even though he has had to adapt his style - 'it's even more tactical now' - the York star recalled his hey-day when representing Yorkshire and Humberside in the national teams' tournament at St Helens. With 20 seconds to go of an absorbing contest Thomas got the verdict over Dave Walker, one of his old adversaries.

Thomas suffered a wrenched knee in that bout, but plastered it up to enter his first masters tournament, the Redcar Open. And he won the over-35 years of age category in style with victory over Ian Robinson.

Next up for Thomas are the prestigious High Wycombe Masters' championships this weekend.

Updated: 12:04 Wednesday, May 22, 2002