Olympic taekwondo champion Jade Jones aims for World Grand Prix success

This weekend, meanwhile, sees the start of the World Grand Prix series in Moscow with valuable ranking points up for grabs.

And while Jones concedes a solid performance in Russia may see her skip the next leg, she admits she will be working hard whatever the outcome.

“I’m feeling really good at the moment, it’s a busy time of the World year with competitions coming thick and fast,” she said.

“I just need to make the most of each training session and make sure I’m in good shape and try and keep improving.

“I’m well placed with my ranking points at the minute whereas some people in the team are just outside the top six and so every point is invaluable.

“But taekwondo is constantly changing and I have to make sure that my opponents don’t get to know my style too well.

“There are a number of young girls who are improving fast and are coming through so it’s important to stay at the top of my game and keep working on things.

“We’re only a year out from Rio now which is crazy but it’s 12 months which are very important.”

Jones is currently second in the standings to long time rival Eva Calvo Gomez – the Spaniard having won the first three Grand Prix legs last year before the Brit triumphed in Manchester.

This time, however, Jones does not intend to play second fiddle in the curtain raiser, with gold firmly on her mind in Moscow.

“Last year it took me until the final Grand Prix leg in December to win gold so I want to start off strongly here,” she added.

“If I get gold I might miss the next Grand Prix as I’ll be in a good place in the rankings.

“There are still a lot of things to happen, I’m really looking forward to the Grand Prix in Manchester though, it’s my favourite one.

“You have your family and friends there coming to watch and that’s great. It’s always such a great event