European Cup in Dubrovnik offers new faces a podium

Azerbaijan and Israel were the strongest countries at the first day of the European Cup in Dubronvik. In total 235 athletes came to Croatia for the 8th edition of this judo event, just as much as in 2019 in advance of the Covid pandemic, but actually less than last year.

Israel took the first and last gold medal, as lightweight Lior Rafailov (ISR) captured the gold in the final U60kg against David Ferguson (GBR). His compatriot  Neil MacDonald (GBR) and Nazir Talibov (AZE) took the bronze. Rafailov was the youngest winner of the day, aged 20.

In the women’s U63kg class Inbal Shemesh (ISR) grabbed the second gold for Israel against another experienced athletes, Nadja Bazynski of Germany. In a good field Nadiah Krachten (NED) and  Dora Bortas (CRO) claimed the bronze.

Azerbaijan dominated the men’s divisions U66kg and U73kg with a gold medal for  Ismayil Ibrahimov (AZE) who overcame Leonardo Valeriani  of Italy in the final in a field of 32 men. Martin Setz (GER) and Emiel Jaring (NED) took the bronze in the most crowded weight division.

However an equal number in U73kg, also with 32 men who are preparing for perhaps Junior results or European U23 championships later this season. Azerbaijan again took the gold as Nariman Mirzayev defeated Italy’s Gabriele Sulli.  Germany sent quite an experienced team with Anthony Zingg and Luc Meyer who secured a bronze medal.

Back to the women’s lightweight division with two strong Belgians, Lois Petit grabbed the gold medal though in the final against South African Geronay Whitebooi (26) who continues to show results each time again. Tamar Malca (ISR) and Lisa Dengg (AUT) took bronze for their countries.

France secured the title for women U52kg with just 10 women. Nawaliatou Babio (FRA) defeated Italy’s talent Ylenia Monaco in the final. Paz Kafri (ISR) and Rachel Van de Meeberg (NED) were happy to join the podium.

Sixteen young women fighting U57kg with a British victory for Lanina Solley who was able to beat Tea Patri (ITA) in the final. Solley is 25 though and Patri just 21. Andjela Samardzic (BIH) and Jana Ziegler (GER) won bronze.

Tomorrow more action from Dubrovnik.