The top profile this weekend was Austrian Shamil Borchashvili who claimed the gold medal in the category under 81 kg. The 23 years old showed a strong performance throughout the day, winning 4 of his 5 fights by Ippon and also managed to beat the number one seed, french Jonathan Allardon, already in his second fight. In the final he beat British home favourite Stuart McWatt to win his first ever medal at a European Judo Open and to raise the flag for Austria.
Borchashvili could share his spot at the podium with Szabolcs Kriszan of Hungary, who managed to pick up his first medal this year - A bronze medal.
In the category under 100 kg Zalan Ohat of Hungary could find himself in a final of a European Judo Open for the second time this year. This time he ended his day with a silver and second European Judo Open medal.
On the women’s side another Hungarian made it to the final. Emese Karpati ended up with a silver medal as well; her third medal at European Judo Open level.
Further, Tina Zeltner of Austria ended up with a silver medal this weekend. Austria is spoiled for choice in this weight category as both Kathrin Unterwurzacher and Magdalena Krssakova are ranked under the best 12 in the world. With her 4th European Open medal this year, Zeltner keeps showing that she is also a serious contender in this category.
Last but not least, Anett Meszaros of Hungary just missed out on a spot on the podium and had to settle for a 5th. place in the -78 kg category. The former European Champion made her comeback this year and the tall Hungarian is now taking up the challenge in a category above her usual weight.
Next weekend, there is more action to come, as the highlight of the year in the Junior division - The Junior World Championships - will take place on the Bahamas. Stay tuned, as we will cover all action from Nassau.
