Mariam Tchanturia completes Georgian party in Izhevsk

What an amazing year of one of the most extraordinary talents in Europe, Szofi Ozbas of Hungary. In Izhevsk in Russia Ozbas captured her second European title in less than two months’ time and on top of that she added the Junior World title as best gift for her 18th birthday. Ozbas won the triple just like Eteri LIparteliani (GEO) who grabbed the U23 European title on Friday.

Ozbas defeated Anja Obradovic of Serbia in the final of her category U63kg, the first ever Hungarian European U23 Champion in this class and the 24^th title for Hungary. Ozbas won three contests for the gold in a field of just 13 women. Ozbas had a bye in her first round, defeated Germany’s Agatha Schmidt in the quarter and Anastasiya Kolyadenkova (RUS) in the semi-final. The Russian defeated Larissa van Krevel (NED) for bronze and Minel Akdeniz of Turkey bested Renata Zachova (CZE).

Another miracle for Georgia happened U70kg with Mariam Tchanturia who captured the title, another success in this crazy year for Georgia women’s judo. The Georgia judo women flourish this year and Tchanturia defeated Hilde Jager of the Netherlands. Tchanturia took bronze in the European Junior Championships and lost bronze at the worlds, but now captured the jackpot in Russia, double gold for Georgia. It’s not a guarantee for senior success because the field wasn’t super strong but her performance on Saturday is mind blowing. The tall Dutch woman was the favourite in the final, more experience at this level and a long reach. Jager defeated country woman Margit de Voogd in her first contest, but De Voogd fought back and took bronze. Jager defeated Alina Boehm in the semi-final in extra time and also Boehm won bronze.

Azerbaijan won the gold medal thanks to an excellent day of Rashid Mammadaliyev who defeated Ayub Khazhaliev in the final for men U73kg. Wachid Borchashvili (AUT) and Schamil Dzavbatyrov (GER) all have a Russian language background but represent German speaking countries.

Russia won a fourth gold medal in this tournament as Turpal Tepkaev won his final against Pawel Drzymal of Poland. Drzymal is the surprising name, but given his gold medal in Bratislava two months ago, the Polish fighter is still on form. Tepkaev was expected. He is the European Cadet champion of 2014. Muhammed Koc (TUR) and Benedek Toth (HUN) took a bronze medal.