The ultimate day of the European Judo Championships of the Small States Nicosia 2024 featured an fierce mixed-team occasions. Though solely three groups competed, they left an enduring impression on all spectators. In keeping with the Sport Organisation Guidelines, when there are fewer than 5 entries, groups compete first in a round-robin system. This format ensures each competitor faces all others, with the 2 groups accumulating probably the most wins advancing to the ultimate.
The opening match noticed Luxembourg tackle Andorra, leading to a 4-2 victory for Luxembourg. The subsequent bout featured Luxembourg towards Cyprus, the place the host nation secured a commanding 4-1 win. Lastly, Andorra confronted Cyprus, with the Cypriot staff dominating 4-0. These outcomes arrange a closing showdown between Group Cyprus and Group Luxembourg, a repeat of the 2022 event the place Luxembourg emerged victorious on residence soil.
The ultimate started with an automated 1-0 lead for Group Cyprus, as Luxembourg had no competitor within the -66kg class, granting Georgios BALARJSHVILI a win by default. The subsequent contest within the -81kg division featured Kyriakos NIKOLAOU (CYP) towards Micha WELTER (LUX). Nikolaou scored a decisive waza-ari early on, and regardless of mounting strain and choosing up two penalties, he held on to safe a second win for Cyprus, making it 2-0.
Within the -52kg contest, Sofia ASVESTA (CYP) confronted Carla TAVARES FERNANDES (LUX). The battle was intense, with each judoka specializing in grip-fighting methods all through. Because the clock wound down, Asvesta capitalised on a gap in ne-waza to safe a win, bringing Group Cyprus to 3-0. The -63kg contest was vital for Group Luxembourg’s probabilities. Sofia DEMOSTHENOUS (CYP) squared off towards Chloe SCHILLINGS (LUX), with Schillings executing a well-timed shime-waza to attain Luxembourg’s first level, protecting their hopes alive.
The highlight then shifted to the -81kg conflict between Claudio NUNES DOS SANTOS (LUX) and Odysseas GEORGAKIS (CYP). Nunes dos Santos, not too long ago again from two surgical procedures and over a yr of restoration, showcased his resilience. At 2:10, Georgakis obtained a penalty, and the bout grew to become a tense back-and-forth, with Nunes dos Santos making two sturdy makes an attempt. Georgakis picked up a second penalty, placing him on the sting of disqualification. Nevertheless, the Cypriot judoka managed to remain aggressive, forcing the battle into golden rating (additional time). With each athletes exhausted, Georgakis capitalised on a chance at 3:16 in additional time, countering his opponent and touchdown Nunes dos Santos onto his again. This main transfer topped Group Cyprus because the mixed-team European Judo Champions of the Small States 2024.
The sector erupted because the Cypriot staff celebrated with conventional native dances, a becoming tribute to their hard-fought victory. Reflecting on a busy however triumphant weekend, the Technical Director of the Cypriot Judo Federation, Mr. Christodoulides CHRISTODOULOS, was usually talked about for his behind-the-scenes efforts. As anticipation constructed, it was time to listen to from the person who helped orchestrate this unforgettable occasion.
It has been a strong six months the place I had some doubt at occasions if we had been in a position to pull this off however we did. As we get nearer to the occasion, doubts became pleasure and we develop in confidence. Now I’m very pleased with having the ability to host this occasion at this degree. Non which might have been potential with out the assist of our Nationwide Olympic Committee, the Nationwide Sports activities Organisation of Cyprus, the European Judo Union, buddies, households whom volunteered their time tirelessly to assist us. I’m not solely pleased with our judoka however all the opposite small nations who work in the direction of the event of this occasion. We succeeded collectively.
Photos: Emanuele DI FELICIANTONIO
Creator: Szandra Szogedi
Share
Tweet
Telegram
WhatsApp
E-Mail
