Gaby left the tatami clapping her hands, not with joy, but with disappointment, because she undoubtedly had a “shot to play” against this opponent, whom she had met and beaten in 2021. But one second… inattention and she found herself on the ground.
For her return to competition, after months of rehabilitation after knee surgery, Gaby Willems was opposed to the Russian Taimazova (24 years old/n°11) and it was not a gift! She was European vice-champion.
Gaby logically took a little time before entering this fight, taking two penalties. But, after an intervention by the medical service for the Russian, she managed to return her rival to the ground. As the central referee had seen nothing but fire, the use of video was necessary and beneficial: ippon for the Belgian!
Too bad for the rest of this competition, but nothing is lost. The main objective now is to qualify for the Paris Games, where she will have to be at her best level.
In -63 kgAlessia Corrao was less happy since the Liégeoise lost against the Czech Zachova (23 years old/n°22), whom Alessia pushed to overtime where she was unfortunately inflicted with a third penalty, for illegal guarding, then that she was attacking.
In -81 kg, we expected a lot, perhaps too much, from Jarne Duyck. Opposed for his entry into the running against the Portuguese Egutidze (28 years old/n°54), bronze medalist at the 2021 World Cup, Jarne also forced his opponent into overtime. But he gave in…
