Russians strong at European Cup in Belgrade

The team of Russia impressed at the first day of the European Cup in Serbia. With four gold medals, two for men, two for women the neo seniors seemed to be ready for the European U23 Championships in Tel Aviv. The first gold medal was for the host nation and the tiny Andrea Stojanovic set a record for the youngest winner of the tournament. Born in 2000 Stojanovic won a trophy bigger than her chest, but not bigger than her heart.

An amazing day for the tiny Andrea Stojadinov of Serbia. She took the first medal of her country at the European Cup in Belgrade. The 16-year rookie was the youngest winner of the day and the second youngest winner ever in Belgrade. Only Aleksandra Samardzic (BIH) was 15 when she own in 2013. In the final U48kg Stojadinov led after 90 seconds in the match by yuko against Ioana Matei of Romania. Despite a shido for both Stojanovic was safe and countered to the gold. Stojadinov An amazing performance for the 16-year old cadet who won the bronze medal at the European Cadet Championships this year. “That was my highlight and very special, but this one is also amazing. It is my last individual event of the year.”

A comparable talent, but then in 2009, won the Senior European Cup seven years later. Sakhavat Gadzhiev of Russia defeated Kamel Mohamedi of France. Gadzhiev who was the first Cadet World Champion, in 2009 in Budapest. After winning the Junior World title in 2011 the transition to senior level was tough, but his second European Cup victory this year is a good way forward. He is the man to expect U60kg at the European U23 Championships in Tel Aviv.

Anamaria Ionita of Romania won the category U52kg against Finnish Katri Kakko. Kakko was leading her match in the final by wazari but it Ionita who came back with one of the best ippons of the day, a smashing throw that put Kakko flat on her back in an exciting two minutes. Kakko is the new leader now in the European Cup ranking, which is important for the seeding in Tel Aviv.

Italian Biagio Stefanelli took the gold U66kg against Strahinja Buncic of Serbia. The Italian led quickly in the match and despite two penalties and stayed strong and took the gold for Italy.

The final U57kg was between 22-year old Daria Mezhetckaia of Russian and sixteen year Jorien Visser of the Netherlands. Mezhetckaia who won silver at the Grand Slam in Tyumen and Grand Prix of Zagreb this yearbut today’s gold gives confidence for Tel Aviv where she will be aiming for gold.

The category U73kg was an amazing field of 48 warriors. It was Saian Ondar of Russia who came out on top. Szabo Frigyes of Hungary was his opponent coached by older sister Franziska Szabo. A good match with a nice silver medal.

A great final U63kg with Russian Diana Dhzigaros who scored a wazari after 19 seconds against Dutch Geke van den Berg. Within a minute a straight ippon for the Russian, but her jaw smash like a boxer against the head of Van den Berg. Dhzigaros won silver at the World Junior Championships in 2014 and took silver at the Grand Prix in Zagreb two weeks ago.