Russian women warmup at Panam Open in Lima

World number six U52kg Natalia Kuziutina made her comeback at the Pan American Open in Lima with a victory. The Russian female star and Olympic hope celebrated her return with a traditional warmup in South America where this weekend’s first PanAm Open is held in Peru. Last year she won silver in Santiago and gold in Montevideo. Next week the PanAm Open is in Buenos Aires (ARG) and in two week’s time in Santiago (CHI). Kuziutina defeated Laura Gomez of Spain.

Not just Kuziutina took gold for Russia’s women, also Irina Zabludina took the first place in Peru U57kg. Last year in the same weekend Zabludina also won gold, in Santiago that time, but at the World Championships in Astana she didn’t reach the last eight.

There was gold for Mexican Edna Carrillo, just like last year in Santiago. Gabriela Chibana of Brazil took silver. Cuban Maricet Espinosa won gold for Cuba in her final U63kg against Belgian Sarah Loko who celebrated her first podium place for her new country.

In the men’s category U60kg again Vugar Shirinli of Azerbaijan took the victory, at the African Open he also won his division and at the European Open in Oberwart he won bronze. Home favourite Juan Postigos won the bronze medal, slightly better than his bronze last year in Santiago.

Sugoi Uriarte won gold for Spain where his girlfriend Laura Gomez lost the final. Uriarte defeated Belgian Jasper Lefevere in the final in a competitive field U66kg. Uriarte seems to have secured his position for Rio.

U73kg a quality victory for Arthur Margelidon who keeps developing well, this time he captured gold by defeated Brazilian Pan American Champion, a payback for the Canadian’s loss in Havana. Margelidon could use the 100 points and seems to qualify for Rio with this position. Margelidon got his hands on the gold medal after defeating Brazil’s Alex William Pombo da Silva in the final match. “Last time we faced off, I made a mistake and he beat me. I made sure that didn’t happen again today!” In the first leg of the tournament, the Quebec athlete made short work of Brazilian Jose Basile and then British Daniel Williams. In the semi-finals, he disposed of Gambian Faye Njie. “There are still some things to work on, but I’m getting closer to qualifying for the Olympics, and today’s result is a good omen, leading up to the PanAmerican Championships,” said Margelidon, a four-time gold medallist at this competitive level.

Europe 4 – Pan America 3 after day 1.