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The opening day of the Junior European Cup in Lignano Sabbiadoro saw France take centre stage. The French delegation claimed three gold medals, along with three silvers and three bronze, for a total of nine medals. Italy followed with seven medals, including one gold. Other top categories were won by Slovakia, the Netherlands, and Ukraine.
Kelvin RAY (FRA), winner of the -60kg category, had to face a tough path to victory. He defeated Yuri BRESCIA (ITA), then KUNYIK Botond (HUN), and finally Mario TIRELLI (ITA) in the elimination rounds. In the final stage, Kelvin went up against his fellow countryman Pierre EBERHARDT (FRA) and Zacharie DIJOL (FRA). After the competition, he commented,
The final was the most challenging match for me. It was against my friend. We fought a lot of times, I trained with him and it was a difficult match. But I had an opportunity and I took it.
Also impressive was Dayyan BOULEMTAFES, who won gold in the -73kg category after seven consecutive victories.
Today it was a very long competition, seven matches, and so I’m very proud of myself and I think all I’ve done before worked today. Now I want to prove that I’m the best in France in the 73 kilos, to do the European Championship and to win the World Championship.
Completing the trio of French winners was Teophila DARBES-TAKAM (FRA), gold medalist in the -70kg category. Starting as the number one seed, she overcame Lelia MAZOUZI (SLO), Leonie BAYR (AUT), Ingrid NILSSON (SWE), and finally Neza HLADNIK (SLO).
I felt good and I was ready to win. I wanted to win so badly and I was very focused on what I had to do to win, so I’m happy. I dedicate this victory to my parents, my sisters, and everyone who supported me today in France.
During the opening ceremony, the President of the Italian Judo Federation, Giovanni MORSIANI, welcomed attendees and congratulated Judo Kuroki, the club in charge of organising the event. The “Trevisan Award,” now in its third edition, was then presented to EJU Referee Commissioner, Vladimir NUTSUBIDZE, Olympic Referee Roberta CHYURLIA, and former International Referee Alberto STEFANEL.
The second day of competition will feature the women’s -48kg, -52kg, and -57kg categories, and the men’s -81kg, -90kg, -100kg, and +100kg categories.
Author: FIJLKAM
Author: EJU Media