Moldovan judoka Denis Vieru failed to climb on to the winner’s rostrum at the Under-23 European Judo Championships, IPN reports.
In Podgorica, he started the competition with a victory in the 66 kg weight class, winning against Albania’s Indrit Cullhaj. He then lost to the future finalist, Russia’s Aleksandr Kulikovskikh. In the runoffs, the 21-year-old athlete beat Bosnian judoka Petar Zadro, but in the match for the bronze medal was defeated by Russia’s Alim Balkarov.
In the 60 kg class, Mihail Doncila was eliminated after the first fight by Azerbaijan’s Elbrus Zamanov. The national squad also includes Norin Tatarescu, Cornel Andries (both 73 kg), Dorin Gotonoaga, Nicon Zaboroshchuk (both 81 kg) and Iurie Mocanu (90 kg).
