The Bronze Debut of Tsiklauri

Four weight category athletes were fighting for title and medals on the second day of Judo European Championships in Tbilisi, on April 25.

Like on the first day of tournament, Georgians were not able to climb to the highest point on the pedestal and just like the day before managed to win one bronze.

Levan Tsiklauri, debutant of Georgian National Team on Euro 2009 was participating in 81 kg weight category. In his first fight, he was able to win against Polish Robert Kravchyk but then, in ¼ final was lost to Italian Antonio Ciano.

Tsiklauri faught good in repechage and was able to outcome Spanish Jorge Benavente and French Axel Clerget on the road to the bronze medal.

The final match in this category was dramatic one. Italian Antonio Ciano made it for final as well as Russian Ivan Nifontov. Cheered by majority of Sports Palace audience, Italian started well and was leading the fight with waza-ari, but then Russian athlete, managed to make ippon and it was he, who ended the competition in 81 kg weight category with a gold medal in pocket.

Georgian Judo Federation Press-center