Useful exercise ahead of GSSE

The Malta Judo Federation (MJF) recently held its 19th International Open at the sports hall of St Aloysius College, the same venue where the GSSE judo competitions will be held in June.

The occasion was considered as an ideal dress rehearsal for the GSSE with two full-sized tatamis (mats) used and two sets of table-officials running the competitions.

Various distinguished personalities were present on both days of the Open as the federation was assisted by Farsons, Airmalta and Office Electronics.

Italian coach Alfredo Monti had 14 MJF athletes in the three age categories - Open, Juniors and Cadets. Eight clubs from Italy and the British Judo Council accepted the MJF invitation. In all, 66 competitors took part.

Weighing in was held in the morning of February 15, according to international rules. It was immediately apparent that the judokas present had been carefully selected. The British team, under the charge of Brian Caffary, showed its supremacy closely contested by the Sicilians who had a special selection for the Open.

The female category was as strongly contested as that of their male counterparts.

In the 52kg, Antonella Romeo (Yama Arashi Sicilian Club) proved the strongest, winning gold against Simonne Strong (BJC). In the 57kg, the bold Marcon Bezzina made it to the final where she clashed with Claire Woods of the UK. Bezzina finished completely out of breath but she only lost on points.

In the 63kg category, Rachel Grech ousted Deborah Orto, of Lipari, winning the first gold medal for the MJF. Eileen Portelli was to follow with a convincing Ippon (full points) against Debbie Pratt (BJC).

In the Open category, Bezzina got her revenge on Woods. This time she took no chances and eliminated the BJC judoka with a clear Ippon. Her success meant a third gold medal for the locals.

In the Heavyweight Open, the British Judo Council was in a class of its own when Toni Smith won gold and Debbie Pratt took silver.

Malta topped the women's medal standings with three golds. The BJC had two and Sicily one.

The opposition in the men's competition was much stronger and only Michael Zahra secured gold for the MJF with a fantastic throw on David Rogers (BJC) in the final of the heavyweight category.

Murman Korchilava, in the 73kg, injured his hand and had to retire.

In the more poplular category for lightweights, Reuben Micallef and Daniel Giuliano placed joint third in the 60kg. In the 81kg category, Jonathan Cutajar, one of the favourites, retired injured as well.

Russian Ulanov Evjeny, currently studying in Malta, placed second after a 'titanic' match with Silvestro Liccardi (Titania Judo Club).

In the Juniors Category (U-20), Bezzina was supreme again. She won gold in the final against Orto. Daniel Giuliano also secured a bronze medal in the 60kg.

In the Cadets (15-16 years old), an event held on Sunday together with the Juniors, Michael Giuliano won the 90kg gold after beating David Seisun. Roderick Cassar was third in the 60kg.

On the whole, the International Open was a useful exercise for the federation and an ideal measuring stick for Monti. This event was also part of the build-up for young judokas preparing for July's European Youth Olympic Days in Paris.

Next May, the federation will be inviting selected sparring partners for the final stages of the GSSE build-up.