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 Canadian judokas win six medals in Europe
Judo – World Cup
Canadian judokas win six medals in Europe
Montreal, September 21, 2008 (Sportcom) – Canadian judokas won six medals, including two gold this weekend, at World Cup events in Britain, for the women, and Norway, for the men.
In Oslo, Alexandre Emond of Varennes, Que., won the gold medal in 90 kilos. Scott Edward (100 kilos) of Calgary and Michal Popiel of Montreal added bronze medals.
In Birmingham, Isabel Latulippe of St-Hubert, Que., took gold in 48 kilos while Joliane Melançon of Blainville, Que., and Amy Cotton of Judique, N.S., earned bronze in 57 kilos and 78 kilos respectively.
It was Emond’s first career World Cup medal. ‘’I’m very pleased,’’ he said. ‘’It’s a great way to start the year. I had a very good day with three victories. I used to train with my first opponent (Jensen Midtiby of Denmark) and I knew I could beat him. In my second bout I defeated a Norwegian (Lars Christiansen) and in the final my opponent (Elkan Mammadov of Azerbaijan) was one of he best in the world. I scored early and maintained my lead. At the end of the bout I pinned him for the victory.
‘What’s even more important is that I earned berth for next year’s world championships in Rotterdam.’’
Edward won two of his three bouts to snare the bronze. After losing to Damir Islambasic of Croatia he cameback through the repechage to defeat Christoffer Holmgaard of Denmark and Andrew Burns of Britain.
Popiel also faced a tough road to a medal after losing his opening bout to Colin Oates of Britain, the eventual champion. The bout went to the time limit and Oates won by a Yuko. As was the case with Edwards, Popiel needed to go through the repechage to gain the bronze medal. He defeated Thomas Funfalek of the Czech Republic in overtime then beat Samir Khankhiyev of Azerbaijan by Ippon. In the bronze medal bout, Popiel scored a Yukjko with 30 seconds remaining to defeat Mans Tillman of Sweden.
‘’It wasn’t an easy day for me,’’ said Popiel. ‘’I wasn’t feeling well but I still posted a good result. It’s my first World Cup medal. It’s a promising result with the Super World Cup coming up next week in Rotterdam. This year I’m going to focus on the Pan Am Championships and assure myself a berth at the worlds.’’
In men’s 81 kilos, Kalem Kachur of Regina took fifth spot posting a 2-2 record.
In Birmingham, Latulippe won her three bouts by Ippon against British judokas for the gold. She defeated Charlotte Farbon in eighth seconds, then Leanne Black in 30 seconds but needed four minutes to beat Emily Hickman in the final.
Melançon opened with wins over Stephanie Inglis of Britain and Anne Kaetzler of Germany, both by Ippon, before falling to Faith Pitman of Britain. She defeated Caroline Prats of Spain for the bronze. In 78 kilos, Cotton eliminated Fiona Jones of Britain by Ippon before losing to Jana Sticke by Yuko. She beat Katie Dean of Britain for the bronze.
In women’s 52 kilos, Laurie Wiltshire of Fort McMurray, Alta., lost her first round bout by Ippon to Sophie Johnstone of Britain then fell to Norway’s Sanna Askelof in the repechage and was eliminated.
Catherine Roberge of Quebec City (70 kilos) did not compete. She’s been training in Europe since September 1 and is planning to compete at a tournament in Baku, Azerbaijan on October 9-10
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