Competition
Yanis Hachimi won the silver medal.
Quebec excelled by winning ten titles in the senior tournaments presented at the conclusion of the Canadian Open Championships. Yanis Hachimi of the St-Paul L’Ermite Judo Club won a silver medal in the 73 kg category.
Mercier-Ross, who is entered in the under 73kg class, was looking to bounce back after finishing fifth the day before in the under 21s. Even if he didn’t show his best form, the representative of the Club de Judo Métropolitain inc. drew on his reserves to achieve his goals and win the first Canadian title of his senior career.
“It was really tough today (Sunday) and I even got sick before my third fight. Luckily I managed to muster the energy to make it to the end and finish it in style in the finale. “I’m very happy,” immediately announced the one who won his five duels of the day.
Among other things, he defeated his compatriots Arthur Karpukov (Sport Center Ippon) in the semifinals and in the ultimate duel Yanis Hachemi (St-Paul l’Ermite Judo Club).
The two judokas left everything on the field in this all-Quebec final, leading hostilities to overtime. Mercier-Ross then took an opportunity to knock his rival down. The streak was later reviewed by officials, who confirmed the win minutes later.
“I was really confident that I scored a goal, but I didn’t want to celebrate too soon,” he explained. As they announced victory, hearing everyone scream was magical. It gave me a second wind today and forced me to give 110%. »
Minutes later it was Catherine Toshkov’s (-57kg) turn and, in a replay of the U21 final, caused a crowd reaction by triumphing over New Brunswick’s Mahee Savoie. Once again, the Quebecer got the better of her rival after a long strategic battle.
“We know each other very well and I knew I had to be patient. I took my time for analysis during the fight and kept the same strategy as on Saturday. I stayed patient, used my usual techniques and just waited for the right moment to attack,” the Waza-ari winner commented to her staunchest supporters.
“I heard my family and friends encouraging me, it was really motivating and really fun! »
The Club de Judo Boucherville Inc. athlete adds a new gold medal to a record that has been improving for several months, thanks in particular to victories at the Canadian Elite Championships, the Canada Games and this weekend in Montreal.
“I enjoy the training and the competition! “When you love what you do, success often comes naturally,” she concluded before taking the podium.
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