Eric Takabatake Is Elected the Best Athlete at the Open from Buenos Aires

A Brazilian had one more reason to celebrate the gold at the Panamerican Open from Buenos Aires. The young Eric Takabatake, aged 23, was elected by the competition’s organizer the best athlete of the tournament. Felipe Kitadai’s reserve in the national team competition who takes part in the second competition of this year, was pleased with his performance in the continental tournament.

\"I was a bit anxious before start fighting. But I think I had a good performance, fighting a lot, which gave me more confidence in the other rounds, \"Eric said.

In Buenos Aires , he defeated the Uruguayan Henry Borges , the Ecuadorian Carlos Matute and Pedro Carlos Antun before the final against the Ecuadorian Lenin Preciado, where he won by ippon in the last minute and a half until the end of the fight.

Besides Eric and Kitadai, the extra-light category also includes Allan Kuwabara and Diego Santos. The goal of the athlete from Pinheiros had already been set: keep pace in the coming contests.

\"I hope it\'s the first gold of many to come this year ,\" he said.