Patricia TOMANKOVA took victory in the -44kg category on home soil at the Samorin Cadet European Cup. Slovakia won the total of four medals, adding a silver by Juraj ODKLADAL (-66kg) and two bronzes by Kristina Lili KRIZOVA (-48kg) / Nina FILKOROVA (+70kg) to Tomankova’s win. Despite the excellent performance of the host nation, the overall medal table showed Ukraine outclassing the majority with a final five gold, three silver and six bronze medals.
Back to home favourite Tomankova, as top seeded, she was able to have a bye during round one and was ready to face Aizat NAUKENOVA (KAZ) right at the first quarter final. A minute and half into Tomankova’s first contest, she stunned her opponent with a well controlled tomoe-nage. The semi final against Natalija PROLIC (SRB) lasted only 35 seconds as the Slovakian judoka caught Prolic in shime-waza, forcing her opponent to tap out. The final saw Natasza POTOK (POL) falling also from a tomoe-nage, witnessing cadet world and double European champion, Tomalkova celebrating her first ever victory on home grounds.
Congratulations to all medallist! The next EJU event for this age group will be the Teplice Cadet European Cup 2024 from 06-07 April 2024.
Author: Szandra Szogedi