Last weekend I went to the Netherlands for the 2010 Venray International Judo Tournament. Over 1500 of the best fighters from 23 different European countries competed. At under 15’s this is the premier event for children of my age. This was the fifth year I had attended this event I won Bronze and Silver Medals in 2006 and 2008. In my group were fighters from Belgium, Germany, France, Denmark, Great Britain, Latvia, Switzerland, Russia and the host country The Netherlands.
William Hale (Belgium) First Fight
My first fight was a tough match against a strong Belgian fighter. I am often a slow starter and I struggled with my first opponent’s awkward style and had to rely on the referee’s decision after a tough five minutes of fighting.
Maarten Zonneveld (The Netherlands) Second Fight
My next match was an easier affair beating a strong Dutch Judoka with a stylish foot sweep.
Connor Potts (England) Third Fight
My third fight was against a strong British Fighter. I controlled the fight well winning the fight and progressing through to the semi-finals.
Daniele Palma (Gernamy) Semi-Final
In the semi-finals I was up against an impressive German fighter who had earlier easily defeated fighters from France and Latvia. In a close tactical fight going the full five minutes I won 3-0 on flags and a place in the 2010 final.
Sandor De-Jong (The Netherlands) Final
In the final I was up against one of the top Dutch under fifteen fighters, Sandor De Jong. Sandor had easily beat me earlier in the year at the Dutch Espoir event. I had studied his style well since we last met, and controlled the fight from the start. After two close scores I threw the Dutch fighter for Ippon to become 2010 champion. Gold Medal in this event was my best International result to date.
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