James Christie
Globe and Mail Update Published on Sunday, Nov. 08, 2009 12:56PM EST
Bianca Ockedahl of Montreal won her two weekend bouts, capturing the gold medal Sunday in the women’s 48-kilo division at a European Judo Union tournament in Vantaa, Finland.
Ockedahl defeated Ann Shiraishi of the United States by yuko, and Marie-Pier Gauvreau of Varennes, Que., on decision. Gauvreau, who beat Shiraishi by yuko in overtime, took the silver.
The tournament winners pocketed 1,000 Euros apiece if there were at least eight entries in the category. Ockedahl received 250 Euros because there were only three participants in her weight class.
“They knew all week they were the only three entries,’’ said Canadian coach Marie-Hélène Chisholm. “The girls approached the tournament as additional training. Marie-Pier had lost to the American recently so it was very encouraging performance for her.’’
In men’s 81 kilos, Justin Fumiya Imagawa of Steveston, B.C., earned three victories in five bouts to place fifth.
In men’s 73 kilos, Olivier Aubin-Mercier of St-Bruno-de-Montarville, Que., posted a 2-2 record but finished out of the medals. In men’s 100 kilos, Stefan Zwiers of Vancouver posted his first career international win defeating Sander Maripuu of Estonia by yuko and finished with a record of 1-2.
Charles Breton-Leduc of Trois-Rivieres, Que., and Cole Hunt of Winnipeg were winless in Finland losing their matches at 60 kilos and 100 kilos respectively.
Join the Discussion: