17/04/2010 00:00:00
Brazilian National Team
Last four spots on the Brazilian Team 2010 defined
Natalia Bordignon took her place after winning two fights agains Gláucia Lima. During the first combat, Natalia won after her opponent tried an illegal move on her. On the second fight, Natalia won by ippon. Rodrigo Luna and Guilherme Luna, of the -81kg category, had three disputes defined during the golden score (tie break). After one victory to each athlete, the place went to Guilherme Luna only after the referees’ decision (hantei). Between the -90kg judokas, Felipe Oliveiro started as the underdog, but managed to turn over the score and took the spot after defeatind during the final fight Renan by ippon in 35 seconds. On the heavy weights category, the bronze medalist of the World Championship 2007, João Gabriel Schlittler, injured his left knee during the first fight and abandoned the qualifier thus leaving David Moura with the spot.
“I didn’t win the place the way I wanted. It is sad this happened to João, a athlete who is one of my references. I hope I can represent Brazil in the Grand Slam and in the World Cup well”, said David Moura.
The close dispute between Rodrigo and Guilherme Luna were the most cheered for by the people present at the event. After three fights and taking the place on the team, Guilherme had mixed feeling of joy and sadness.
“We have faced each other a few times, but it had never been in a qualifying like this. I’m happy but I’m also sad. When I won, my brother won too, and when he lost, I lost too. Though it is all part of the sport and it is important that the family will be represented on the team”, guaranteed an emotional Guilherme Luna.
