Dutch men, French women and Russian juniors strong in St. Petersburg

At the second day of the European Cup for juniors in St. Petersburg the Russian juniors added three more gold medals. Both France and the Netherlands were strong as well with two gold medals. Russia passed Japan in the medal table. Japan claimed one victory on Sunday.

In the men’s division Russia and the Netherlands took the first places. Turpal Tepkaev doesn’t surprise anymore as the winner. It was his fourth victory in this age division, although last year in St. Petersburg he won bronze. He bested Luka Maisuradze of Georgia in the final U81kg. Inal Taimazov signed for his first medal in the IJF World Tour ever. With this victory Taimazov is a candidate for the World Junior team in October. Also Taimazov bested a Georgian opponent in Nika Sidamonidze. In total Georgia lost five finals, but won gold U66kg on Saturday when the final was completely Georgian.

Simeon Catharina of the Netherlands showed to be the best in the men’s division U100kg. Catharina defeated Arman Adamian. The gold medal was one stage higher than last year in St. Petersburg. Catharina booked his fourth Junior World Tour victory, while he just turned 19 years. Catharina’s compatriot Jur Spijkers won gold +100kg. He defeated Belarussian opponent Yahor Kukharenka. Belarus also won bronze U100kg by Daniel Mukete.

Yasmine Horlaville booked her first gold medal in the junior IJF Tour in St. Petersburg. The French bested Dutch woman Jessica Gorissen in the final U63kg. Shiho Tanaka of Japan claimed the gold U70kg, she defeated another Dutch Hilde Jager in the final. Sarah Seymour of France took the gold U78kg Marina Bukreeva (RUS) was sent to the silver spot. A legendary gold medal for Seymour who never won a meaningful international tournament. Anna Guschina of Russia won the last gold medal in an all Russian final against Sofiia Pirogova.