#46: Two Golds And One E2 Bronze In Albania For ITL
Another competition, another medal haul for ITL in two Albanian competitions spread throughout the weekend.
The total yield was two gold and one bronze medal for a team comprised of Michela Scerri, Fergeson Galea, and Alycia Cassar, and led by coach Ditmir Vodinaj.
Michela Scerri
Scerri’s scintillating form continued throughout her challenges in Albania.
On Saturday 9th March, she fought in the Tirana Open (E2) -42 kg junior category and landed immediately in the Quarter Final round of the set. She netted a neat 2:0 win over her Greek opponent and went straight to the semi-final, where she sustained a narrow loss against a Bosnian opponent (the top-ranked athlete of the category).
Her efforts sent her to the podium with another E2 bronze medal.
The next day, Michela fought in the Tirana Open and started in the Final of her respective group, straight away. She won comfortably with a round score of 2:0 and walked away with a well-deserved gold medal.
Alycia Cassar
On Saturday 9th March, Alycia started in the R16 in the widely-contested -55kg (junior) category. She won her first match with a score of 2:0 and went to the quarter-final, where she faced the top-ranked athlete of the category (Croatia). Unfortunately, Alycia lost with a score of 2:0 and did not advance any further in the knockout.
On Sunday, Alycia competed in the same category, which fielded roughly the same number of athletes (24 in total).
It was a day to remember for the young Maltese, who stormed through no less than four fights, each against Greek nationals, winning all with round scores of 2:0.
Alycia finished first in the category, stepping upon the podium with a gold medal wrapped around her neck.
Fergeson Galea
The junior, male -55kg category was the most widely populated set in the division. Yet Fergeson, who attended the ranked tournament as a yellow/green belt, entered the fray.
In the E2 edition of the tournament, Fergeson faced a tough Greek opponent and lost in the round of 32 with a score of 2:0.
Come Sunday 10th March, Fergeson landed an Albanian opponent in the R16 of the same group, winning by walkover and landing in the quarter-final of the group. He then faced another Greek opponent.
The young Maltese lost his first round but recovered well in the second, leading for a good segment of the round and almost clinching victory. However, a well-placed body shot from his opponent in the last few seconds of the round turned the game around. Fergeson lost the game with a score of 2:0.
ITL Statement
A few words were shared on the social media page following the team’s excellent performance abroad.
“Every stage of competition brings with it a new experience for our fighters, who just keep delivering.”
“These guys train. Hard. And they make tonnes of sacrifices day in, day out. So all credit to them for their attitude, their work ethic, and their determination; not just in competition, but in the gym too.”
“The ITL would like to congratulate all three athletes, and fellow coach - Ditmir Vodinaj for such a spectacular weekend with results to match.”
With a total medal haul of two golds and one bronze, I think we can safely say that this was another one for the books.
Moreover, this achievement comes off the back of another large medal haul for ITL in France, and another ranked bronze medal for Michela Scerri in Sofia.
The team now prepares for their next challenge, next weekend: the Belgium Open G2.
Acknowledgments
The ITL would like to extend its thanks to SPORTMALTA for making our attendance in this tournament possible through financial support.
