Lots of surprises U90kg at day three in Minsk

What an amazing battle field in the category U90kg where World Champion Nikoloz Sherazadishvili lost too early against Swiss Ciril Grossklaus. It was just one of those surprises. 2017 European Champion Aleksandar Kukolj lost to Mikail Ozerler, the world’s runner up of 2017 who reached the final. Another Serbian Nemanja Majdov, 2017 World Champion, lost to Frazer Chamberlain (GBR) where Dutchman Noël van ‘t End won this pool and defeated Axel Clerget on the road.

Khusen Khalmurzaev knocked out Beka Gviniashvili (GEO). Li Kochman was the surprising semi finalist after defeating Krisztian Toth (HUN). Eduard Trippel lost to Milan Randl (SVK). The final is between Mikail Ozerler of Turkey against Kochman who caught Van ‘t End. They are 1-1 in head2heads.

Men U100kg

Also surprises in the men’s category U100kg where big names like Frey, Zankishiev, Sviriyd, Korrel, Fonseca, Kotsoiev had to leave the tournament without a repechage contest. Varlam Liparteliani survived as expected and reached the final against Arman Adamian of Russia. Liparteliani defeated Cyrille Maret (FRA) who won pool B with Zankishiev and Gasimov. Zlatko Kumric was the surprise in Pool C. He beat Daniel Mukete (BLR) who sent Michael Korrel to the tribune. Adamian defeated 2018 Champion Toma Nikiforov and the Belgian fighter lost his repechage. Adamian and Liparteliani never fought each other before.

Men +100kg

Guram Tushishvili contributes to the success of Georgia these games. The World Champion reached the final after his victory over Henk Grol (NED) in the semis. Inal Tasoev of Russia defeated Ushangi Kokauri (AZE) the world silver medallist. No major surprises, but Lukas Krpalek will fight Henk Grol for bronze. Stephan Hegyi (AUT) will fight Kokauri. Tushishvili never fought against Tasoev. So there are two finals between Georgia vs Russia where the Georgians are favourite.

Women U78kg

After two silver medals in 2016 and 2017 this is the chance for Guusje Steenhuis (NED) to capture European gold. She defeated Marhinde Verkerk on penalties in the semi final. Slovenian Klara Apotekar defeated Luise Malzahn (GER). In head2heads Steenhuis and Apotekar are 1-1, so not a guarantee. 2018 European Champion Malonga will now fight Verkerk for bronze. Loriana Kuka (KOS) will be opposed to Luise Malzahn.

Women +78kg

The final for women +78kg is between Larisa Ceric of Bosnia Herzegovina and home favourite Maryna Slutskaya who was able to defeat Iryna Kindzerska of Azerbaijan. For the organization a gift as the Belarussian came back from an injury but was just in time on form. Ceric defeated Portuguese (former Brazilian) Rochele Nunes in the semi-final. Both know each other really well and Ceric leads by 6-5 in head2 heads. The last time that the two met was in 2017 in Minsk, Slutskaya got injured.