British Junior women and Russian men shine at European Cup in Paks

At the European Cup for Juniors in Paks the team of Russia was the most convincing capturing six gold medals. With 15 medals in total, the team also grabbed the most medals. Especially the heavyweight categories were a target for the Russian with golden boys Aslan Dzhioev (U100kg) and Inal Tasoev (+100kg). Alexandra Gimaletdinova won gold U78kg.

The host nation Hungary captured the gold in the women’s +78kg category with gold for Emese Karpati in an all Hungarian final. It was the only appearance of Hungarians in the final.

Germany normally strong in this category was unlucky in Paks with three lost finals. Ukraine lost twice and couldn’t get gold as well. Russia was dominating some of the categories such as Men U73kg by Pavel Patokov. Turpal Tepkaev is well known U81kg, he also won in Athens, this time in Paks. Former Austrian judoka Marko Bubanja was successful for his current Montenegro and won gold U90kg, his first international success at this level. Kazachstan was dominating the lightweight categories U55 and U60kg with Kanat Seilkhan and Zhaksybek Zhenisbek. Denis Vieru added another European Cup victory, after Leibnitz now Paks U73kg.

In the women’s division Great Britain is booking results for quite some time, but also other athletes start to win. The good vibe started in Paks with victories for Chelsie Giles U52kg and Acelya Toprak U57kg. Lulu Piovesana’s victory on Sunday was a confirmation that the British youngsters are doing well and the previous generation is now starting to book results at senior level.

Gimaletdinova and Sitora Boymatova won gold for Russia U78 and U44kg, Boymatova even in an all Russian final.  Marusa Stangar is a class apart in her class U48kg. The vice world champion won gold in Paks against European Cadet champion Daria Bilodid in a tasty final but with a clear result for Stangar. Loriana Kuka of Switzerland won her first European Cup ever after two lost finals.

Paks was the eighth European Cup for Juniors this season with four more to go in Gdynia, Prague, Berlin and Ploiesti.