THREE Worcester girls hope to chop a path to glory at the European Wado Kai Junior Cup, but a team-mate will miss out.

Sisters Katrina and Tara Wilson join fellow Tobi Ishi Kai Karate Club competitor Chloe Hooper in the individual kata contests at Walsall Sports Centre tomorrow.

But Catherine Bennett, an 11-year-old brown belt, had a minor operation this week and will be unable to go for a medal.

Lyppard Grange Primary School pupil Hooper, 11, wants a gold as she tackles the 11-and-under category two.

But 12-year-old Katrina Wilson, a brown belt like Hooper, has a formidable task in the category four group that includes older girls and black belts.

The Blessed Edward Oldcorne RC College student is a talented performer, though, and has been selected for August's World Cup in Japan.

Younger sister Tara, seven, who attends Whittington Primary School, has a big challenge too, taking her blue belt grading into the category one event for 11-and-unders.

Both Hooper and Katrina Wilson will be going for their black belts in December after reaching the top brown level.

And instructor Justine Wilson, mother of Katrina and Tara, said: "The best category is for Chloe because she's top of her group age-wise.

"But Katrina is very experienced in competitions and has been picked to go to Japan to represent England so she's doing exceptionally well."

The club meets on Tuesdays and Fridays from 7pm until 9pm at Lyppard Grange Community Centre, Worcester, and is run by Sensei Mark Beeby, a fourth Dan black belt.