Audrey Tcheumeo back in the race with gold

A big clash in the final for women U78kg between the two strongest French potential medallists for the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Only one can go to Tokyo and so far Posvite is in the lead. In Budapest it was Tcheumeo though who took revenge and seems to be back on the international podium with a statement.

The battle is tough within the French team U78kg to determine who will go to the Olympic Games in a few months. Between the experience and power of Audrey Tcheumeo, double world medalist and double Olympic medalist and the ardour and technique of Fanny Estelle Posvite, with a less extensive track record, anything can still happen. Once again, the two women met in the final.

During their last matches, Posvite had gained the upper hand over Tcheumeo, with ease on several occasions, but with the a pause in competitions since February, the 2011 World Champion appears refreshed, coming back in force, whereas before Hungary she was the number three on the French selection list. Dominating the whole final, she took the victory on an action which left her uncertain for a few seconds, but which ultimately proved clearly and correctly in her favour. Tcheumeo can let out a cry of joy, which says a lot about her newfound motivation.

It is difficult in this context, for the other competitors to express themselves fully, as French domination seems important in this category, especially if we add the world number two and reigning world champion, Madeleine Malonga, who was not part of the trip to Budapest. Nevertheless, we can note the fine performances of Natascha Ausma (NED) and Loriana Kuka (KOS), today’s bronze medalists in the group.