Millar first to hit the mat

James MILLAR is the first Edinburgh player in action at the World Judo Championships in Paris today.

The 29-year-old missed the European Championships in Istanbul in April due to a knee injury but returned to claim a bronze medal in the 60kg lightweight class at the World Cup in Tallinn in June.

Two-time world bronze medallist Euan Burton and former European champion Sarah Clark will both hope to challenge for podium places on Thursday with Edinburgh club-mates Sally Conway, Sarah Adlington and James Austin also to come later this week.