Alan Khubetsov takes over European title U81kg from Khalmurzaev

Alan Khubetsov of Russia is the new European Champion. The number eight in the world defeated Dominic Ressel of Germany in the final U81kg in Warsaw. Khubetsov’s win was quite a surprise, but the Russian team is doing well in general. Khubetsov took silver at the Grand Prix in Tbilisi in April and was the number four seed because of his good 2016 showing.

In his first match he overcame Belgian Sami Chouchi and then defeated Damian Szwarnowiecki of Poland. In total, he fought 5 matches and won against Nicon Zaborosciuc (MDA) in the quarter final in just 22 seconds. Dangerous opponent Frank de Wit, who won the Grand Slam in Paris, got caught by Khubetsov after a good minute in the match. In the final Khubetsov didn’t even need two minutes to beat Ressel. The German had a great preparation and defeated tough opponents, such as number one seed Ivaylo Ivanov and Zebeda Rekhviashvili, who beat Lappiganov and Ungvari.

Rekhviashvili lost the bronze bout to Dominik Druzeta, who lost to De Wit in the quarter final, but came back strongly and took bronze. De Wit lost for bronze to Aslan Lappinagov, another strong Russian in the category where they have the Olympic Champion Khalmurzaev, who was absent. Khalmurzaev was also reigning European champion. Despite the three victories in a row of Tchrikishvili the Russians usually dominate this class and Friday wasn't any different.