Or Sasson second best of Europe behind Teddy Riner

Or Sasson became the second best of Europe in the heavyweight class. The Israelian lost his final against Teddy Riner who claimed his fifth European title. Riner’s victory wasn’t a surprise, the story was on the side of Or Sasson who defeated Daniel Natea (ROU) in the semi final. Sasson won his pool via victories over Juhan Mettis of Estonia who knocked out Roy Meyer (NED), Ushangi Kokauri (AZE) was Sasson’s first victim.

Riner defeated Aliaksandr Vakhaviak (BLR), Andre Breitbarth (GER) and Levani Matiashvili (GEO) to earn his place in the final.

Having not competed at last year’s European Championships in Baku, Riner returned to regain the title he won in 2014 and preserve his unbeaten record across all competitions that stretches back as far as 2010.

Georgia’s Levani Matiashvili and Romania’s Daniel Natea beat Ukraine’s Oleksandr Gordiienko and Hungary’s Barna Bor to the bronze medals.

This Olympic cycle European Champions

2016      Teddy Riner (FRA)

2015      Adam Okruashvili (GEO)

2014      Teddy Riner (FRA)

2013      Teddy Riner (FRA)

2012      Alexander Mikhailin (RUS)

Short Profile Teddy Riner

Teddy Riner is most successful judoka ever on the planet. The French heavyweight won eight world titles, more than anyone. He is 2.05m and very athletic. He won five European titles and of course the 2012 Olympic title. In Beijing 2008 he won bronze. He was double junior world champion, athlete of the year and honoured world wide.