Author: Eduardo Silva
Once again, Coimbra hosts the first event of the European Junior Tour. This year, the competition features the participation of 387 athletes representing 22 countries.
On this first day of competition, France took two gold medals, while Italy, Kazakhstan, Spain, Czech Republic, and Israel each collected one gold medal.
In the under 63kg category, all eyes were on Melkia AUCHECORNE, the French athlete who came in as the favorite being the number one in the world ranking. After defeating the Italian judoka Sara CORBO in the semi-final, Coimbra was set for a rematch of last years final. Auchecorne faced Antonietta PALUMBO again. Last year Palumbo was able to take the gold; however, this year, a more experienced Auchecorne was victorious after a well-disputed fight.
In the post-match interview, the athlete added,
I am now a more experienced fighter. For 2023, my goals are the Junior European and World Championship.
In the under 70kg category, the Portuguese Tais PINA reached the final, showing impressive Judo skills. In the final, after being ahead by waza-ari, the Portuguese was taken by surprise by the Czech Julie ZARYBNICKA, who took home the gold medal this year.
The second gold medal for France was won by Morgane RUBIANO, who overtook her French companion Ilana BOUVIER.
The plus 78kg category was won by Yuli MISHINER, who won all her fights by the maximum score.
In the lightweight divisions, the virtuous Luis BARROSO LOPES, under 60kg, won the gold medal in golden score against the French judoka Dijol ZACHARIE. In the under 66kg category, we witnessed a full Italian final where Valerio ACCOGLI took gold.
Finally, the under 73kg category was dominated by the Kazakhstan judoka Adilet ALMAT, who defeated the Italian Vincenzo PELLIGRA.
The competition continues tomorrow with another day filled with exciting contests from the most promising young judokas in the world.
Judoka
Author: EJU Media