Five categories with the European Champion title to win. The first KWU European Championship weight categories gathered a good mix of fighters from different countries as well. With several world champions in the line up, it would be safe to say that the expectations was high. Looking back at the KWU World Championship last year, just a few medals fell outside Europe, and Russia was the biggest factor. All the categories for women was taken by Russia.
Under 55 kg
The category with 12 fighters was the second largest category, and in the line up: world champion and European champions – who would make it to the top? Rita Pivoriunaite, Lithuania, making her KWU debut in a excellent way. The multi Shinkyokushin EC Champion stalked down her opponents, and giving them no rest or space. Reign KWU World Champion Anna Virabyan, Russia and third place holder Alexandra Lesniewska, Poland – non of them did reach the podium this time.
⇐Photo Algimantas Barzdžius LINK
And this pattern could we see more than one time – fighters from the podium of the World Championship, was pushed down from the podium, and sometimes out of the podium. An indication that the level was higher now than during the World Championships?
Under 60 kg
Ten fighters in this category, and several well merited fighters! Also in this category the reign World Champion, Guzel Fattakhova (Russia) was beaten by Lithuanian elite fighter Inga Mikštaitė. Mikštaitė was in full control, and hunted down who that stood in her way. Emma Markwell (Great Britain), reign European IFK Champion and finalist in the World Championship KWU, was also pulled down in the results to thirs place. Markwell taking the only medal for Great Britain IFK – and a step back for the team taking four medals in the World Championship last time.
⇐Photo Algimantas Barzdžius LINK
Technical, high pace fighter Marta Lubos, Poland, always a little ahead and showing great spirit beating Markwell. Mikštaitė vs Lubos in the final. Mikštaitė been in EC finals multiply times- Lubos for the first time..
Under 65 kg
Moving in to the biggest category with fourteen fighters. Anna Efremova, Russia, takes the top spot. And this is a favorite victory, not unexpected. Taking on Mihaela Ivanova from Bulgaria inn the finals. Mihaela Ivanova advances toward the final, beating Aneta Meskauskiene, representing Ireland.
Under 70 kg
In this category – only six fighters, and it is a strong wish that a tournament as EC should have more fighters in the categories. Double World Champion Anzhelika Sabaeva, Russia, the heavy favorite in this class. The top four, all very active fighters with good experience. Also in the line up, World Champion KWU 2013, Samantha Williams, looses to Polish fighter Alexandra Karpuk, KWF EC Champion 2015. Alexandra Karpuk also passes Diana Cantero, Spain – World Champion, EC Champion KWF. On the other side of the bracket, Anzhelika Sabaeva in her first fight (semi final) face Lithuanian fighter Nora Vaznelytė. This fight is very even, and in to the last part of the fight Sabaeva are falling behind on warnings. So in the last second a Waza-ari being given to Sabaeva, a very questionable decision, Vaznelytè not noticeably shaken or affected in any way. But anyway Sabaeva in to the final with Karpuk, a let there be no doubt – Sabaeva high class fighter.
Over 70 kg
The heaviest category with seven fighters, and if the World and Europe titles was “missing” at their record, one could not guess – the level was high. Agata Winiarska Kaliciak, Poland, have been slowly capture more and more goals. Strong with a good all round fighting style brings her to the final. On the other bracket from Lithuania, Diana Balsytė. Good reach , dangerous knees and 3rd place in the World Cup in 2013.