Author: Mario Krvavac
On the opening day of the ‘Millennium Team’ Cadet European Cup in Poreč, Ukraine secured top place in the overall medal table with three gold, two silver and three bronze medals. Israel followed with two gold, two silver and three bronzes, while Italy currently sit in third place with one gold, two silver and four bronze medals.
Valentina Zivkovic (-52kg) narrowly missed out on claiming Croatia’s first medal of the event, falling to Italy’s Matilda Mariello in the bronze medal contest. A packed Sport Hall Zatika, flags from 29 nations across Europe and an atmosphere charged with emotion marked the first day of competition. Traditionally one of the top three European cadet events by number of entries, Poreč once again proved to be a key gathering point for Europe’s most promising young judoka.
At the opening ceremony, President of the Croatian Judo Federation, Sanda Corak, welcomed more than 720 athletes:
“We are proud to welcome over 720 judoka from across Europe this year. We hope you will feel comfortable and that Poreč and Croatia will remain among your most beautiful memories from your early judo days.”
Mayor of Poreč, Loris Peršurić, added:
“The City of Poreč has long been associated with judo, and we always look forward to hosting major competitions. Welcome to Poreč, Istria and Croatia.”
European Judo Union Sports Director Alessandro Comi congratulated the organisers on their efforts and expressed confidence in the continued high standards throughout the weekend. Competition unfolded across five tatami, with Ukraine and Italy enjoying particular success. Eleven Ukrainian and nine Italian athletes reached the final block, and in four contests athletes from the same nation faced each other for medals.
In the -50kg category, Ukraine’s Zoreslav Semenenko defeated compatriot Timur Pidkipnyy for gold, while Italy’s Ismael Mehabra secured bronze against teammate Ruben Lattanzi. In the -55kg, Israel claimed both gold and silver through Omer Mor Barak and Guy Shreberk, with Ukraine’s Vitalii Lykhohliad taking bronze after defeating Tataryn. Ukraine’s Sofia Palamarenko triumphed over Italy’s Giada Tursi in the -40kg final, while in -48kg Italy’s Aurora Montalbano secured bronze against Ukraine’s Tetiana Hlushchenko.
The competition continues on Sunday, with preliminary rounds beginning at 9:00am CET. Watch live online via JudoTV.com. Following the European Cup, many participants will remain in Poreč for the three-day training camp.
Author: EJU Media