Antonio Esposito gives Italy first ever World junior title

Really, who would have thought of Antonio Esposito as the new crowned World Champion U73kg? Antonio himself for sure as he showed an amazing fighting spirit today, Esposito was ready to take the world title, the first ever in his country Italy. In a nation with such judo history it is an absolute highlight of the year for Italy.

With a field of Moustopoulos (GRE), Gugava (GEO), Saraiva (POR) and Sami Chouchi (BEL) who Esposito eliminated himself, he was the best of all European medallists and became the winner of his pool. Six fights he had to overcome, but especially the last two were the most precious. Ofcourse his sensational ippon after two minutes in the final against Sarvar Shomudurov (UZB), but as well the heroic semi final victory over Imranbek Gabasov of Russia.

There’s hope for Italy where the seniors failed this year but the juniors hit the jackpot. La dolce vita is starting for Esposito”very short, because after this party, life will be hard to reach the senior top level. What a day and what a challenge for the 18-year old fighter from Napoli. The southern fighting spirit pays out again.

A great takeover gave Roman Moustopoulos the bronze U73kg. He’s another Greek phenomenon who could only be stopped by Russian Gabasov today. The Greek European champion showed good judo in Ljubljana and defeated Margelidon (CAN) in the bronze bout. Gabasov himself was defeated by Gabriel Mendes of Brazil.

Seventeen out of 32 medal for Europe and six brand new world champions are summarising the strength of Europe in all age categories. Must be noted that Europe has more than 50% of the participants field. The record of 1990 and 1994 is the challenge, 10 gold medals.