It has taken Sami CHOUCHI (BEL) four years to find his way to the top spot at a Continental Open. That search finally ended today when Chouchi collected the gold medal in the -81kg category on the second day of competition at the European Open in Oberwart. Chouchi began the day seeded number four and, with his attractive, attacking style could reasonably have been expected to be around the medals come the close of the day.
To guarantee a medal Chouchi had to get past number one seed Dominic RESSEL (GER) with whom he came face to face in the semi final. This task having been accomplished, Chouchi went on to have his most successful Open performance defeating the unfancied but extremely talented newcomer Nicolas CHILARD (FRA). Chouchi remains arguably Belgium’s number three and yet such is his talent that he may yet emerge as a genuine threat. Time will tell whether Chouchi can deliver more of what was on show today.
Interview with Sami Chouchi
Podium
