Eric Takabatake Is Silver-Awarded in the Grand Prix of Ulaanbaatar
Friday was not a big day only for the Brazilian soccer, but also for its judo. Eric Takabatake won the silver medal at the Grand Prix of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The extra-lightweight athlete (60kg) is on the 24th position in the world rankings and today’s victory must help him climb further.
Eric Takabatake fought four times. The first, against the Korean Hyunho Jung, was won by wazari. In the second, Takabatake defeated the Mongol Tsogtbaatar Tsendochir by yuko. The semifinal was against the Swiss Ludovic Chammartin and because of a new wazari, the judoka granted himself the right to fight for gold.
In the end, the Brazilian athlete had to face the Mongol Boldbaatar Ganbat, the fourth in the world rankings. Takabatake fought until the last minute. But when there were 4min42s he suffered an ippon, maximum score, and so he got the silver medal.
"Thanks everybody for supporting me, unfortunately it was not the desired result one day we will get it!" Eric said on his Facebook profile.
Tomorrow, Saturday, July 5th, the competition goes on. Brazil seeks further medals with Bruno Mendonça (73kg), Mariana Silva (63kg), Maria Portela (70kg) and Nadia Merli (70kg). Rafael Buzacarini (100kg), David Moura (+100 kg) and Claudirene Cezar (+78 kg) will be fighting on Sunday.
