Last weekend we witnessed a very high level tournament in Hungary, European Open Szolnok Cup 2015. The best fighters of Europe faced the best fighters from Russia and Kazakhstan, and that was a great setting…
As previously mentioned, there was great excitement since several of the profiles had switch from their regular weight classes and participated in a heavier class than usual….
Whether it is the high level or whether it is only a misunderstanding, several believed that this is the European championship. But again there’s not, but an Open European tournament or Cup where Dojos can go, and not necessarily the national teams.This has also been seen in for example IFK British Open, since the British Open now are have “The cup of Europe” (since 2009) in the under-title of the tournament. That said, several of the very best in Europe was present and fought. But it was also very good nations outside Europe as well, and then we feel for highlight Kazakhstan and Russia.
It is quite natural to devote great attention to minus 90 kg class, where some of the biggest profiles met. The results are well known for the most of us now, but we will take a look at the full draw and some videos..
The heavyweight category under 90kg was won by Marius Ilas/ Romania, close followed by two Russian fighters Nazar Nasirov (2nd) and Gennady Nechaev 3rd place together with Vasyl Khomyshyn Ukraine. Hungarian Richard Lizak, Poland Marek Wolny, Sweden Rasmus Bergström was early eliminated, even with strong records.
The final between to outstanding persons and fighters Marius Ilas and Nazar Nasirov, was a must see final. We all know their high level but as always, who will come out on top when they meets? Ilas on his side had knock out Gennady Nechaev, Russia in the semi final – could we imagine the pressure that Nasirov could feel?! And these two fights, could be a little wake up call to those who doubted his fight style by what they saw in the EC – where his tactics were different than now. As for us that newer doubted, “all at the right time”
Another European profile are five time European Champion Gábor Rózsa, Hungary. Do fight in the -70 kg category on regular basis, but this time he had moved up in the middleweight. This category was packed with good fighters from Russia, Georgia, Hungary, Ukraine, Poland and Romania. We all know the level in these countries, and the category had just over 20 fighters..
In the lightweight Russian star-fighter Khasai Magomedov was the top man. And also in this 16 men category we could see top fighters from Europe, Kazakhstan and Russia. European Champion Mikheil Tsiklauri from Georgia reached the final, and had to give it all to do so. Khasai Magomedov on his side could also show a European title,as he won the EC for Kyokushin-Kan – Royama group earlier this year.
In the heaviest category Russia once again reached the top. Denis Ershov made it to the top pulling out the win against Dorin Margarint from Romania. Even the third place was capture by Russian fighter Semen Semenikhin (and Dávid András Derecske BUDO Hungary)
Dorin Margarint, Romania vs Dàvid Andràs, Hungary