Russia take first Junior European Mixed Team title

Russia is the first Junior Mixed team champion of Europe. In Sofia the Russian Juniors defeated the team of France in the final by 3-5. The first victory though was for France.

U48kg Blandine Pont took the lead. Ramazan Abdulaev scored the equalizer for Russia U60kg. Rookie Faiza Mokdar had such a great tournament and gave France again the lead fighting U57kg. But then came the turn for Russia that booked three victories in a row by David Gamosov (U73kg), Last year’s European Junior Champion Madina Taimazova, who made up her disappointing individual tournament on Sunday. Eldar Allakhverdiev took the fourth victory, 4-2 for Russia. Laura Fuseau gave France the connection and hope, 4-3. Dzhamal Gamzatkhanov defeated Palthi Mena Munzikbu in the last decisive contest and made it 5-3 for Russia.

The teams of the Netherlands and Germany captured the bronze medals and kept the tradition of delivering good mixed teams which is their strength. Despite the disappointing tournament of the Dutch, the team event gave most a satisfying end. The Netherlands lost to the French team by 5-1, so time to take revenge. The lightweights gave Holland a 2-0 lead against Georgia. The Georgians had a great individual tournament as strongest country, and even the women took unique historic medals. In the mixed team event they couldn’t confirm that performance. Still two women won their events against the Dutch team, but the Dutch were ready to take revenge on the individual tournament and finished the contest after a 3-3 into a 5-3 victory. Highlight was a huge slam by Dylan van der Kolk (NED) U73kg making the equalizer ginving the Dutch the hope to overcome the Georgians.

Germany lost to Russia by 5-0 in the semi final. The bronze battle against Portugal had a different outcome. The Germans won by 5-1 and Portuguese European Champion Patricia Sampaio didn’t have to fight anymore. The new generation of the Germans already took the necessary five points and Falk Petersilka, Germany’s European Champion finished the match.