EJC 2016: winners of first competition day determined

The first day of the 2016 European Judo Championships brought actions from the following weight categories: women’s 48, 52 and 57kg and men’s 60 and 66kg.

Charline VAN SNICK (BEL) defended her title in the -48kg category and became the first winner of the 2016 European Judo Championships. In the final, she gained the upper hand over Eva CSERNOVICZKI (HUN). Bronze medals were claimed by Dilara LOKMANHEKIM (TUR) and Monica UNGUREANU (ROU).

Majlinda KELMENDI (KOS) was unbeatable in the -52kg category. In the final bout, she defeated Priscilla GNETO (FRA). Yulia Ryzhova (RUS) settled for bronze after overpowering Annabelle EURANIE (FRA). Another bronze went to Andreea Chitu (ROU).

Automne PAVIA (FRA) placed first in the -52kg category, having beaten Ivelina ILIEVA (BUL) in the final. Bronze medals were won by Timna NELSON LEVY (ISR) and Nora GJAKOVA (KOS).

The men’s competition saw Walide KHYAR (FRA) grab gold in the -60kg event. In the decisive bout, he managed to emerge victorious against Orkhan SAFAROV(AZE). Hovhannes DAVTYAN (ARM) and Elios MANZI (ITA) earned bronze medals.

One of the major title contenders at the tournament in Kazan, 2012 Olympic champion Arsen GALSTYAN (RUS) settled for bronze in the men’s -66kg event. The Russian judoka defeated Kenneth VAN GANSBEKE (BEL) and Adrian GOMBOC (SLO). In the final, Vazha MARGVELASHVILI (GEO) who earlier defeated GALSTYAN gained the upper hand over Colin OATES (GBR). The second bronze was claimed by Fabio BASILE (ITA).

European Judo Championships

Kazan, April 21

Women

-48kg

1. Charline VAN SNICK (BEL);

2. Eva CSERNOVICZKI (HUN);

3. Dilara LOKMANHEKIM (TUR),  Monica UNGUREANU (ROU);

-52kg

1. Majlinda KELMENDI (KOS);

2. Priscilla GNETO (FRA);

3. Andreea Chitu (ROU), Yulia Ryzhova (RUS);

-57kg

1. Automne PAVIA (FRA);

2. Ivelina ILIEVA (BUL);

3. Nora GJAKOVA (KOS), Timna NELSON LEVY (ISR);

Men

-60kg

1. Walide KHYAR (FRA);

2. Orkhan SAFAROV(AZE);

3. Hovhannes DAVTYAN (ARM), Elios MANZI (ITA);

-66kg

1. Vazha MARGVELASHVILI (GEO);

2. Colin OATES (GBR);

3. Fabio BASILE (ITA), Arsen GALSTYAN (RUS).