Britain ended the judo tournament with just the silver medal of Kate Howey after Karina Bryant was beaten early on in the heavyweight class at Darling Harbour today.

It was a disappointing end to a turbulent week for the British team, which had seen the drama of Debbie Allan failing to make the weight after the scales had been sabotaged, the defeat of world middleweight champion Graeme Randall but also the stirring performance of middleweight Howey, who once again proved herself the most consistent fighter in the team.

Another bronze medal might have been expected over the week and Bryant, 21, the 1998 European champion, was one of the most likely to get it. She has been improving steadily and got third place in the world championships in Birmingham last year.

However, the Olympics are much harder for heavyweights. In the world championships, unlike the Games, there is an open (unlimited weight) division as well as the heavyweight class. This means that the leading heavyweights are split between the two categories.

The heavyweight class today was stuffed with big, strong and technically talented girls and Bryant was unfortunate to face the experienced Christine Cicot, of France, losing on a penalty point for passivity.

It was a dreary bout with both fighters usually failing to penetrate their opponent’s guard. Both were penalised for lack of aggression. When Bryant moved in for her favourite hip throw, Cicot, the 1997 world champion, countered but Bryant manage to wriggle out of the hold-down.

Bryant then launched a superbly-timed ankle throw but the French girl succeeded in twisting out of the technique and only conceded a minor knock-down. Bryant was then penalised again for a defensive hold, giving Cicot victory.

Diane Bell, the British coach, said: "The French are very good at grips. Karina was expecting that kind of bout with a lot of fighting up top. She went for the big throw, did not get it and went down for the second penalty."