After a break caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the Hampshire Open was back for the first time since 2019. This year’s edition was held at Fleming Park Leisure Centre on Sunday 17 July.
Three Court Lane players attended – German, making his British Judo debut, Chloe and Michael.
German had a bye in the first round, and won his 2nd round fight convincingly with maki komi. HE had the misfortune to come up against the eventual gold medal in his next fight, and was caught with a perfect standing seoi nage for ippon.
Dropping into the repechage, German was held down in his bronze medal contest, to finish 5th overall.
Michael continues to grow into a capable adult player. He won his first quickly, throwing for ippon. His next fight was against the eventual gold medallist (who today won gold at the World Police and Fire Games…). Michael was footswept on the second attempt, for ippon. Michael bounced back to win his next fight, again with a clean throw for ippon, but was thrown himself in the next contest.
Chloe was a late entry, after some heroic contests at the recent Kent International, where was unlucky not to come higher. Ina pool of four players, Chloe lost her first two fights but won her last, to score a third place and bronze medal.
An exciting day of judo at the Hampshire Open saw Isla and Jonty make the transition from junior to adult judo.
Regular club visitors Michael Churcher and Harry Hopkins were also in action.
Congratulations to Dean Smith, who today claimed a bronze medal at -81kg in the senior Hampshire Open.
It’s nearly time to get back on the mat.
