Inside news
Home
News
Majlinda Kelmendi not in danger defending her European title

Majlinda Kelmendi not in danger defending her European title

20 Apr 2017 18:15
David Finch / Judophotos.com

Majlinda Kelmendi won her third European title. Despite a back injury the Kosovarian was too strong for the rest. Surprise was the final for Alesya Kuznetsova. In her new weight category she is able to reach the top of Europe. Her groundwork is amazing but that was about the danger for Kelmendi. 49 seconds for the end Kelmendi struck with ippon in the final. Nothing to do against Kelmendi who won the title in 2014, 2016 and 2017. Ramos was her only dangerous opponent today.

There were a few surprises as Joana Ramos (POR) stunned Andreea Chitu in her first match. Kelly Edwards caught Amandine Buchard who was in such a good shape, but Edwards lost to Kuznetsova. The Russian non-seeded players do well today. Two silver medals for the Russian women at European level. That was a time ago. Giuffrida defeated Distria Krasniqi, that second dangerous judoka from Kosovo.

Swiss Evelyne Tschopp scored a wazari against Odette Giuffrida of Italy in the final for bronze. The runner-up of the Olympic Games in Rio wasn’t fit and suffered a foot injury. Joana Ramos of Portugal was happy to win bronze as well in her bronze bout against Gili Cohen of Israel. 

More judo info than you can analyse 24/7! Share your results with your judo network. Become an insider!