France Spain and Portugal take two titles at European Cup Malaga

The first day of the European Cup in Malaga delivered a thrilling display of judo action, with 393 athletes competing across seven weight categories. The southern Spanish city welcomed 251 men and 142 women to battle for glory in the prestigious tournament's twelfth edition. Spain’s judoka shone on home soil, while international competitors from across Europe and beyond made their mark.

In the men’s -60kg category, Spain’s Eric Juan Morales Caballero captured the gold, delighting the home crowd with his victory over Switzerland's Jesse Waizenegger in the final. Morales demonstrated technical superiority throughout the day, capping it off with his title. Tibo Volleman from the Netherlands and Spain’s own Asier Murillo Martinez de Lizarrondo shared the bronze.

Portugal’s Goncalo Lampreia emerged victorious in the men’s -66kg division, defeating Hungary's Balint Gombas in the final. Lampreia’s win underscored Portugal’s rising status in European judo. Romaric Wend-Yam Bouda from France and Adrian Nieto Chinarro of Spain rounded out the podium with bronze medals.

France celebrated a gold medal in the men’s -73kg category, as Orlando Cazorla claimed the top prize after a tough battle against Germany’s Kevin Abeltshauser. Aron Szabo of Hungary and Spain’s Jorge Cano Garcia took home bronze, securing more success for the host nation.

In the women’s -63kg division, Spain continued to impress with Cristina Cabana Perez securing gold after defeating Switzerland’s Chiara Friden in the final. Spain doubled up in this category with Maria Oliver Ferra earning bronze, alongside France’s Julie Falgon.

The Netherlands dominated the women’s -70kg category, just like in Abu Dhabi's Grand Slam, with Maud Lavrijssen taking the gold and her compatriot Dagmar Van Wonderen finishing with silver. Julie Zarybnicka of the Czech Republic and Portugal’s Joana Crisostomo completed the podium, each claiming bronze.

The women’s -78kg final saw Portugal’s Fabia Conceicao take gold, overpowering Poland’s Zuzanna Banaszewska. Two judoka from Poland also stood tall on the podium with Aleksandra Turek joining her compatriot Banaszewska to share bronze honors with Lyse Versmisse of France.

In the women’s +78kg category, France dominated the podium, with Grace-Esther Mienandi Lahou winning the gold and Samah Hawa Camara taking the silver. The bronze medals were won by Valentine Marchand of France and Daria Tudorache from Romania, highlighting the strength of the French women in this division.

As the first day wrapped up, Spain and France emerged as strong contenders for the tournament's overall success, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the competition.