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Three-time Junior European
Cup winner Max Stewart showcased his precocious talent at the
Junior European Championships as he surged to a highly-impressive
silver medal in Belgium.
Stewart, who also took
bronze at the German Junior European Cup, was dominant as he coolly
dispatched his first four opponents by ippon.
The -73kg judoka from
Birmingham opened his campaign with a win over Tigran Galstian
of Lithuania before overcoming Fagan Eminoglu from Azerbaijan.
Max Stewart (blue judogi) in action
© Mike Varey
A win over Tomer Zakeim followed and Vladimir Zoloev was Stewart’s
next victim as he marched to the finalimperious fashion, winning
by the maximum score and avoiding a single point being scored
against him.
The final was a close
contest as the British starlet met Ukraine’s Rufat Magomedov.
Stewart searched for an opening and after falling behind by a
waza-ari continued to press. The Ukrainian judoka was able to
defend his lead for a narrow win as Stewart once again showed
why he’s one of the most exciting and talented junior judokas
in Europe.
Stewart said: "I'm
pleased to win my first European medal and the fact that all my
wins come by ippon and to get to the final has really given me
confidence. I am slightly disappointed as I think I could have
won it but overall I'm pleased."
Darren Warner, British
Judo Development Coach, said: "It was an excellent performance
from Max today. He could of won it, but I don't think it will
be his last European final. For me, with such a wide technical
range and clear ability to adapt how he fights depending on his
opponent, he is making big strides towards becoming a world class
senior, that's what I'm most happy about."
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