Swiss Open first of 12 European Cups this season

The first of twelve European Cups this weekend will kickoff in Uster, near Zürich. The Swiss Open Judo is held for the second time as European Cup but has a longer history where great athletes appeared. Three years ago Tadahiro Nomura made a small comeback in Uster. One of the winners in 2012 was double World Champion Majlinda Kelmendi. Olympic champion Tagir Khaibulaev won in 2008. Olympic bronze medallists Charline van Snick won the edition in 2009.

The teams of France and Germany won the most titles in history since 2007. In 9 years time, the French won 27 titles. Emilie Andeol won two times and one time bronze. Among the topscorers from Germany Barbara Bandel won two titles and silver, same for Thomas Pille. Bandel will defend her title again in this edition on Sunday U78kg in a field of just 7 women.

The Japanese team won 7 titles last year, still three titles left for host Switzerland for Michael Iten, Ciril Grossklaus and Juliane Robra. These top athletes won’t defend their titles this year, but there’s a wealth of Swiss talent, especially in the women’s edition where Amaron, Csatari, Kuka and Silva are top talents for this edition in Uster.

Five more countries and about 50 more fighters than last year are expected to visit Uster, a city just a few minutes from Zurich airport. The Swiss Judo Federation is more than happy to welcome about 300 judoka from 30 different nations. Big team from Italy, Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands will take part over 13 categories, no one in +78, 40 judoka U73kg to mention the busiest weight category on Saturday.