ROYAL Marine commander Chris Sherrington has his sights set on Glasgow where Scotland's biggest ever judo tournament is being held at the weekend.

The Iraq war veteran will be among almost 100 competitors who will be going for glory by battling it out on the mats at the Emirates Arena ahead of next summer's Commonwealth Games.

Fans will also have the chance to see Olympian Gemma Gibbons who stole the nations hearts last year when she dedicated her silver medal to her late mum.

More than 20 countries will be represented by some of the world's best judoka when the curtain rises on two days of action beginning on Saturday and Chris is hoping to have plenty to celebrate when he toasts his 31st birthday the following Monday.

He was the heaviest member of Team GB at last summer's London Olympics.

Chris missed out on a medal but fellow Englishman Matt Purssey returned to his second home in Edinburgh with bronze from the test event.

He and Chris visited the East End sports complex yesterday to highlight the championships.

Matt, 32, who is the current British champion at three different levels, said: "I cannot wait to compete at the Emirates Arena on Sunday. It is a fantastic precursor to the Commonwealth Games next year. There is no better experience than competing and performing in front of a home crowd.

"When Great Britain last hosted such an event I lost out in the semi-final and finished with bronze.

"This time I want to go all the way and win gold for Scotland and Great Britain."

Andrew Scoular, chief executive of the British Judo Association, is also pleased.

He said: "We're delighted to be hosting the 2013 Glasgow European Open at the Emirates Arena.

"It is the first time the UK's flagship judo event has been held in Scotland. Ahead of the 2014 Common­wealth Games in Glasgow, we're excited to see some top judoka descend on the city to do battle with Great Britain's athletes who ­include London 2012 Olympians."

The championships are being supported by Glasgow Life and EventScotland.

Mr Scoular added: "We hope this is the start of a long and successful partnership with the city and EventScotland, which will also see us host the 2015 European Championships at the same venue."

The judo extravaganza is another major event being held in Glasgow in the run-up to the 2014 Games.

There have already been a number of world class championships in cycling and netball held in the city while coming attractions include badminton as well as a glamour swimming competition featuring the best of Europe against America's elite.

Olympians, including 26-year-old Gemma - she was patron of last year's London Youth Games - will be at the ­arena at the weekend to meet spectators.

The London girl will be back in Glasgow next year when she competes for Commonwealth glory.

She'll be battling for gold for England, while her partner Euan Barton, from East Lothian, will be flying the flag for Scotland.

Last year they were dubbed Team GB's golden couple, who set up home together in Edinburgh, ­after the curtain came down on London 2012.

Gemma stole the nation's heart last summer when she doggedly defied a broken thumb and her ranking of 42nd in the world to win an Olympic silver medal after beating opponents who had been in the sport's top 10.

Spectators can get a third off tickets by ordering them online at www.brit ishjudo.org.uk/glasgow2013 or by calling the box office on 0141 353 8000 with ­concessions available for children 15 and under, pensioners and the disabled.

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk