Netherlands take four judo medals on day of surprises

Baku, June 28, AZERTAC The Netherlands dominated the third and final day of individual Judo competition, with Dutch judoka claiming two gold and two bronze medals. Marhinde Verkerk was the first Dutch winner, defeating Germany's Luise Malzahn in the women's -78kg. In the next final, the men's -100kg, Henk Grol overcame the favourite, Lukas Krpalek of the Czech Republic. Dutch judokas Guillaume Elmont and Guusje Steenhuis also won bronzes in the men's -90kg and women's -78kg, respectively. The five weight categories contested featured three judoka ranked no.1 in the world, and all three lost. First to go was France's Audrey Tcheumeo in the women's -78kg, beaten in the semi-finals by Verkerk . Next to lose was Georgia's Varlam Liparteliani in the men's -90kg, defeated by gold medallist Kirill Denisov of Russia. Then Krpalek fell to Grol in the -100kg. France won six titles at last year's European championships, but just one in Baku, Emilie Andeol taking the +78kg crown. Adam Okruashvili of Georgia was cheered on by a noisy Georgian contingent during the men's +100kg, winning by ippon against the surprise finalist Or Sasson of Israel.