The Czech Republic roared with joy as Adam Kopecký secured the first home victory at the Prague European Open since Lukáš Krpálek triumphed in 2021. Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Türkiye, and others also left their mark.
Sensational Home Victory for Adam Kopecký (-90kg)
Czech judoka Adam Kopecký delivered the performance of the weekend in front of an electrified crowd. In the -90kg final, he needed just thirty seconds to secure victory over France’s Tizie Gnamien, holding him down with osae-komi to claim gold. It was the first and only home title of the weekend, and it came in a stacked field of 47 athletes.
Kopecký fought with focus all day, defeating 2022 world champion, Davlat Bobonov (UZB) in the semi-final. “Every fight today was different. I had to stay sharp and adapt. Standing on the top of the podium at home, with my family, friends, and the Czech fans cheering, is something I will never forget,” said the 22-year-old.
David Klammert (CZE) had the chance to double the Czech joy in this division but narrowly missed out on bronze against Jamal Petgrave (GBR), who scored a decisive waza-ari in the closing seconds. The other bronze medal went to Tigo Renes, who defeated 2022 World Champion Davlat Bobonov who couldn’t hold his yuko lead. The Dutchman struck four seconds for the end of the match with a wazari, just enough. Renes won bronze in 2024 as well.
Imamverdiyev Shines for Azerbaijan (-81kg)
Azerbaijan’s Magerram Imamverdiev took control of the -81kg final against Tóth Benedek (HUN), using a sharp drop-seoi-nage to score early before managing the contest with maturity. For the 25-year-old, who is already a former cadet and junior standout, this was another step toward consistency at senior level after winning in Warsaw last season.
Bronze medals went to Lachlan Moorhead (GBR), who threw Matteo Giordano (FRA) for ippon in the closing moments. Czechia’s Jan Svoboda thrilled the home fans by overcoming Rory Tyrrell (GBR) to secure the Czech Republic’s first medal of the day.
All-Ukrainian Final in the -100kg Division
The -100kg final saw teammates Zaur Duniamaliiev and Oleksii Yershov battle for supremacy. After a cautious opening, Duniamaliiev struck in the final minute, countering Yershov’s lifting attack for waza-ari, which he defended until the buzzer. It was his first gold medal at this level, adding to his Grand Prix bronze from Zagreb.
The bronze medal contests provided with even more fireworks. Yaroslav Davydchyk (UKR) edged Joep Schell (NED) in a back-and-forth clash full of scores, eventually holding on for victory after a sensational bout that coloured the scoreboard. Francis Damier (FRA) claimed the second bronze medal, overcoming Jean Carletti (ITA) to repeat his podium result from Ljubljana earlier this year.
Munir Ertug Makes His Breakthrough (+100kg)
Türkiye closed the weekend in style with heavyweight Munir Ertug finally claiming his first senior title. Facing Croatia’s Mikita Sviryd in the +100kg final, Ertug scored with a powerful hip throw and then controlled the bout to secure gold. The victory came after several near misses in junior European finals and signaled his steady rise into the senior elite.
Uzbekistan’s 2022 world champion and 2024 Olympic bronze medallist, Muzaffarbek Turoboyev, returned strongly to take bronze against Jan Masek (CZE). The latter, buoyed by the crowd, finished fifth. The second bronze went to Tomas Raska (CZE), who fought bravely against Evgeny Shmachilin (ISR). Raska pushed the contest into golden score before forcing a decisive error, winning his first medal at this level.
Day two brought unforgettable moments for Prague. Kopecký’s sensational gold was the highlight, echoing the legacy of national hero Krpálek.
Author: Hans Van Essen