Judoka Denis Vieru was eliminated after the first fight at the Grand Prix of Zagreb. In the 66 kg weight class, he was beaten by Joao Crisostomo of Portugal, IPN reports.

Another representative of Portugal Sergiu Oleinic, who is native of Moldova, managed to qualify for the semifinals. He is to play against Turkey’s Sinan Sandal.

Among the Moldovan athletes who competed at the Zagreb Grand Prix were also Norin Tatarescu (73 kg) and Nicon Zaboroshchuk (81 kg).

The winners of the competition will get by US$3,000. The tournament represents a training stage before the U23 European Judo Championships that are to take place in Montenegro this November.