Azeri happy with gold for Hidayet Heydarov

Top favorite and -60kg European Cadet Champion Hidayat Heydarov (AZE) struck gold again, this time in the -66kg. The Azeri faced Ismail Chasygov (RUS) in the final. They had met twice before, with each one winning one match. The final was pretty even with nobody scoring at the beginning, but then Heydarov first scored a yuko and then demonstrated his newaza skills, holding Chasygov. The Russian tapped out.

“After winning the -60kg last year I decided I want to win the -66kg this year”, Heydarat commented. “I was nervous in my first fight. I knew the Portuguese (David Reis). Then it went well. My next goal is to compete in the European Games 2015 in Baku.” Coach Tarlan Hasanov added: “I am 72 years old and I coach him since he is six years old. I came especially for him to Athens. He made me very proud by winning this year and now again.”                     

Chasygov was not completely satisfied with his performance. “I think I showed 50 percent. I could have won, but I made a mistake. I prepared well and collected experience in other competitions, but he (Heydarov) is not an easy opponent. He fought like a man. I hope to take my revenge next time.                             

Second place is still good, as this is my first time to compete at the European Championships.”                    

Daniel Jean (FRA) and Beka Udesiani (GEO) shared the bronze medals. Jean beat Naim Matt (SUI)                

While Udesiani prevailed over Milan Buncic (SRB).                           

With 40 players, the -66kg had the most competitors in any of the categories.