In 2006 the first edition of Swedish Open was held with a strong international line up. Among the top fighters countries like Japan, Lithuania, Spain, France, Denmark, Georgia an last but not least Sweden. See the TV highlight an read more..
When we travel back in time, we have to remember that thing as the line up was different than it would be to day. As you will see Tim Haverkamp / NED fought in the middle weight division at the time. This was the same year that he won Dutch Open, and finished in 3rd place in the British Open tournament. Another well known top fighter, who still fights in the middle weight division are Ores Proc /LIT. In 05 he was the runner up in the European Championship, an 3rd place in 06. Jimmie Collin/SWE won Danish Open in 06, at also the French Open, and in the final he beat Tim Haverkamp. Dennis Truelsen Denmark, 3 times Danish Open champion came in on third place. More below video..
Light weight was won by Lasha Khachapuridze, Republic of Georgia. In the final he meet Fernando Gandia, Spain, who just for the record ended took 1st place in the last Swedish Open 2012, in middleweight. In third place Andrius Miseckas, Lithuania. He won also in 2012 -lightweight. But in 2006 he was the runner up in the European Championship, only beaten by Bulgarian super-fighter and 5 times EC winner Dimitar Popov.
Heavyweight was dominated by Lithuanian top fighters, but Japanese spirit split the podium as Takatsugu Naito, Japan took 2nd place, beaten by Darius Gudauskas, Lithuania. In third place Mindaugas Pavilionis, Lithuania. These two Lithuanian fighters have been almost regular on the podium in the European Championship. An the have shared the EC podium five times , and these two fighters have 14 EC prices from 2003-2011 including two 1st places by Darius Gudauskas.
Women division lightweight with now superstar Margarita Ciuplyte, Lithuania 1st place.Isis Pinilla, Spain who also are one of the elite fighter in the women lightweight in Europe. Ciuplyte have moved on to a heavier division. Third place and spirit award ,Kumiko Sunakawa, Japan. Known international fighter at top level.
Women Heavy weight. Home fighter Daniela Erkelenz, Sweden on the top, known for her hardness and great skills. Won the Swiss Open in 05 and 07. But most of all defeated the legendary Veronica Szövetes in Danish Open 2006.
Picture by Annika Peterson
Hungarian World Champion 07 Veronica Szövetes have been one of the best, if not the best fighter in the world. Home fighter in 2nd place Viki Damnjanovska. This score was the same in Swiss Open 05. 3rd Barbara Boluda, Spain.
Remember to visit Swedish Open website for pictures and more!!