France celebrates surprise gold by Loic Korval
Loic Korval took the gold in the men’s 66kg division at the European Championships in Montpellier. The French got value for money with an all French final where Korval defeated David Larose on penalties. Usually contests between countrymen are not the most attractive and so was this one, despite the tention of the club supporters in the hall.
Korval defeated Sugoi Uriarte in the semi-final by yuko and defeated Larose which is important for the battle for one place in Rio in 2016. Korval unveiled his satisfaction after the event. Korval defeated one of the favourites for the title in the quarter final, Georgii Zantaraia whilst Larose sent Mikhail Pulyaev (RUS) in the semis to the bronze medal match by ippon. The Russian defeated Georgii Zantaraia for bronze.
The other bronze was for Dzmitry Shershan of Belarus, a surprising medallist although he is progressing well. He defeated 2010 finallist Sugoi Uriarte for bronze. Russian veteran Alim Gadanov lost in his first round.
Despite some strong athletes the category is dominated by Asian athletes such as Masahi Ebinuma over years world wide.
Result | City | Date |
---|---|---|
2 | Paris | 30 Jul |
1 | Abu Dhabi | 21 May |
1 | Zagreb | 26 Apr |
3 | Belgrade | 2023 |
2 | Montpellier | 2023 |