Lasha Bekauri wins battle with Beka Gviniashvili

Unique for two countries to top the medal table at the European Championships, Kosovo that was the best nations with two European titles and a bronze on the last day. Turkey took two medals and also a decisive gold for heavyweight Kayra Sayit on Sunday.

With the gold medal of Vedat Albayrak on Saturday, Turkey had another chance for a medal, but it turned into gold and meant an excellent position on the medal table. The luxurious position was possible due to the equal distribution of titles whereas France and Russia were expected to battle for those positions, but both nations captured only one European title.

Georgia opened the last day in Lisbon with an all Georgian final and two medals. A contest between the two ‘rivals’, the youngster Lasha Bekauri and the warrior Beka Gviniashvili. It was a clash of the titans. The two differ five years and a lot of experience but Bekauri is already fourth on the World Ranking list and Gviniashvili seventh. After 100 seconds in the contest it was Bekauri who took the lead with a gutsy makikomi. In the last minute it was Bekauri who countered an attack from Gviniashvili. This match ended with respect from both sides, while Gviniashvili realized that Bekauri has all cards in his hands for these Olympic Games. Pure judo prevailed and the judoka on the tribune understood the value of this match.

The bronze was for Krisztian Toth of Hungary, another warrior who was pleased with his medal and celebrated on the mat after his victory against Mihael Zgank of Turkey. 2020 European Champion Mikhail Igolnikov defeated Nemanja Majdov in the second battle for bronze.