Ze'evi takes European crown for third time

By Rami Hipsh
May 16, 2004
Ha'aretz

Judoka Arik Ze'evi successfully defended his under 100-kilo title with 
a victory yesterday in the final at the European Judo Championships in 
Bucharest. Ze'evi defeated his Hungarian challenger, Antal Kovacs, 
with an Ipon after 2:50 minutes to claim his third European 
championship in the weight class, which he also won in 2001 and 2003.

"Winning the title for the third time was sweet, because no other 
Israeli athlete has achieved that in any sport," Ze'evi said. 
"With all the big names taking part in the competition, the win 
gives me a mental advantage for the Olympics because I will be 
attending as the reigning European champion."

Ze'evi began his title defense with an Ipon 3:47 minutes into his 
bout against Iveri Jikurauli of Georgia. Michele Monti of Italy did 
Ze'evi a favor by disposing of Alexander Mikhaylin with three Shidos 
and a Koka. The Russian had denied Ze'evi gold in the World 
Championship in 2001, but Ze'evi showed no mercy on the Italian, 
winning the bout with a second Wazaari after 2:45 minutes.

In the semi-final, Ze'evi defeated Ghislain Lemaire on points after 
the Frenchman, whom Ze'evi beat in the 2001 finals in Paris, allowed 
the defending champion to take a more aggressive stance.

Ze'evi dominated the final against Kovacs with a Koka and a Yuko 
before the decisive Ipon with 2:10 remaining in the bout.

In the over 100-kilo class, Adrian Kordon came in seventh. Kordon 
went down to Paolo Bianchessi of Italy in his first bout, but then 
defeated Eitel Grzergorz of Poland and Aytami Ruano of Spain in 
the repechage round before losing to eventual bronze medalist 
Dennis Van Der Geest of the Netherlands.

Israel ended the tournament with Ze'evi's gold medal and Yoel 
Rozbozov's silver medal Saturday in the under-73 kg category. 
Rozbozov won four bouts with an Ipon before losing by Ipon to 
Spain's Kioshi Uematsu 3:48 minutes into the final.

Michal Feinblat and Gal Yekutiel failed to impress at the 
championship but will join Udi Wax, Ze'evi and Rozbozov at the 
Athens Olympics this summer.