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Britain’s Michael Horley
claimed an impressive silver medal on Saturday as he graced the
European Cup rostrum for the first time in Slovenia.
The 23-year-old, who
self-funded his participation, won four of his five fights in
the -90kg category as he charged to the biggest result of his
young career.
Horley started with
a win over former Dutch national champion Glenn Bolleboom and
followed up by triumphing over two-time Slovenian national champion
Igor Spasojevic.
A victory over Czech
Michal Horak prompted a semi-final meeting with two-time World
Cup medallist and European u23 Championships runner-up Azamat
Sitimov of Russia.
Michael Horley at the 2011 English Senior Open
© Mike Varey
In-form Horley dispatched
the Russian to book a final against Alexandr Jurecka who edged
the Brit in a tense contest.
The Kendal Judo Club
player was coached by his club coach Mike Liptrot.
British Judo Development
Coach Darren Warner, who led a selected delegation, observed Michael's
fine displays and said: 'It was an excellent performance from
Michael. He has suggested before that he is capable of winning
at this level, but this is his first European cup medal.
"He showed great
tenacity all day, especially in the semi-final against the Russian,
Sitimov, who he beat in golden score. The final was very close
as well but in the end the Czech guy just edged it in the last
minute. I'm very pleased for him though as this medal not only
shows he is improving but will also qualifies him to self fund
to a World cup later in the year."
British Head Coach Patrick
Roux said: “Silver is a really good result for Michael, it highlights
his progress.
“The competition was
very strong, the European Cup is a good level for Michael to test
himself and it’s very positive to have a young judoka coming through
in the -90kg category.”
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