The local dream of an all-Kosovan women’s final (-57) at the European Open Championships in Pristina did not materialise. The Olympic champions Nora GJAKOVA and Distria KRASNIQI are in the final block (from 5 pm, live on JUDOTV.com), but will each fight for bronze. Instead, Timna NELSON LEVY (ISR) and Eteri LIPARTELIANI (GEO) will contest the final for gold.
The 29-year-old Israeli beat Lisa GRABNER (AUT) and Priscilla GNETO (FRA) both with ippon. In the semi-final against -57 debutant and local hero Distria Krasniqi – seeded number one – a Waza-ari score in the Golden Score (after 06:05 minutes of fighting time) was the deciding factor. Eteri Liparteliani, number 8 in the world rankings, defeated Jalone EQUISOAIN (ESP), Lele NAIRNE (GBR) and Nora Gjakova.
The hosts therefore still have all four athletes (Nora and Akil Gjakova, Distria Krasniqi, Dardan Cena) in the final block and can hope for a total of four medals. “The minimum target was a bronze medal. It’s a great day for Kosovo,” commented head coach Driton “Toni” KUKA.
The following duels will take place in the bronze fights: Priscilla Gneto (FRA) – Nora Gjakova (KOS), Kaja Kajzer (SLO) – Distria Krasniqi (KOS).
Author: EJU Media