Teplice big indicator for Europeans and EYOF

Not only in Lignano, also in Teplice the Italian youth was strong this weekend in the occasion of the Cadet European Cup in Czech Republic. It is always a strong tournament and indicator of strength for the European Championships in June and EYOF in July. With four gold medals, Italy leads the medal table.

The biggest news though maybe the two gold medals for athletes from Ukraine. A gold medal for Igor Tsurkan in a tough category U81kg with 38 opponents and a gold medal for heavyweight Diana Semchenko. Ukraine always have strong female heavyweights. For Tsurkin it is the second victory this year, he also celebrated gold in Zagreb in March, what a month for him.

Italy won three gold medals at the first day in Teplice, for Federico Ninfo U66kg, Alessandra Rocco U48kg and Michela Terranova U52kg. On Sunday Savita Russo added the fourth title in her category U57kg.

This tournament always had great winners in history. Olympic medallists like Odette Giuffrida, Krisztian Toth, Daria Bilodid, Michaela Polleres and of course Fabio Basile have won in Teplice. Still it is not a guarantee on a bright future.

Not only Ukraine captured two gold medals, also Hungary and in the footsteps of Krisztian Toth Peter Kenderesi captured the gold U90kg. Lightweight Sebestyen Kollar claimed the gold on Saturday U50kg.

Portuguese lightweight Goncalo Lampreia took gold U55kg while Romanian talent Tudor Mosoi won gold U60kg in a pool of 64 young men, what a competition.

Dutch talent won the gold in a pool of 63 men and was on the podium with his long-time friend from Ukraine Igor Tsurkan. De Lange won his second title this season as he took gold in Lignano but was unlucky in Zagreb where he tested positive and couldn’t fight while being in Croatia. Today was his golden reward which keeps him high on the ranking and protected in the future in these massive pools.

Turkish heavyweight Ibrahim Tataroglu secured a gold medal in a field of 24 men.

Topscorer Patricia Tomankova

What about the home country? No gold for Czech Republic but bronze for Marketa Korcakova and Adela Simunkova. Neighbour Slovakia did good business with lightweight Patricia Tomankova who won the title, her second of the season after winning in Lignano and Fuengirola. She is the topscorer at the European Cup tour this season of all athletes over all weight categories.

Dutchy Vera Wandel again struck and grabbed gold U44kg like she did in Lignano, this time in a field of 17. All three middle weights were won by Italian youngsters. Austria again showed talent with Emily Starzer who won gold U63kg.

Swiss April Lynn Fohouo took the gold U70kg. the first victory for her country this year in the European Cups. Most winners were born in 2005 and have one year to go in this age category.

Last year five winners in Teplice also won the Cadet European title, so for sure one of this weekend’s winners, will shine in Porec in June or at the EYOF in Banska Bistrica in July.