11.5. in the league competitions for adults, TU11 was represented by 3 players, all in the league.
Elom Damalie was the first to compete in the men's -74 kg category. However, he experienced a point loss to Klaukkala's Terho Räsänen. The match, which started well, froze towards the end, and there were no chances to win in the last set. Elom's placement was 5.-8.
Tanja Lovikka competed in the women's -49 kg category. The first match against Amina Harek ended with an overwhelming points victory before full time. The opponent in the final was Nina Ohra-Aho from Klaukkala. In the second set, Ohra-Aho got a couple of main hits, thanks to which he escaped to the point victory. So Tanja's ranking was 2nd.
Teemu Heino took his place in the men's heavyweight division. Tero Kuorikoski has certainly improved as a competitor, but he was still unarmed, even matching Teemu's routine performance. 3-0 win and 1st place in the series for Teemu.
Cadets
Sophia Vassilak's series (cadet girls -44) is one of the highest standards in Finland, if compared to the international level of the series. Sophia got to experience this the hard way after already losing the first match to Loviisa's Emma Reimann. The match was one of the toughest battles of the day, even though the result of the tournament was by no means in line with preliminary expectations. Sophia's ranking 3rd-4th.
Voker Feka won his first match in the cadet boys' +65 kg series with a great upper technique in the extra set. In the second match, Pori's Antti Vajavaara came up against him, who took the main hit right at the start, but it was judged too hard. I saw a series win for Voker.
Children
Among the children, Sara and Eddie Quinones were present this time. Sara had only one opponent, whom she beat in showmanship 2-0. For Eddie, the race was full of adversity. In the first match, the opponent's armor was broken, and thus Eddie did not get points, despite good hits. The next 2 matches were won by Eddie, and in the third it was fought for the series victory, after the pool matches crossed paths. The match started well, but at the beginning of the second round, Eddie and his opponent kicked their legs hard together. The hit was so hard that Eddie was unable to continue and had to go to the hospital to have his leg checked. Fortunately, no fracture was found in the leg, but unfortunately the first series win eluded Eddie. A silver medal was hung around the neck.
The last league competition of the spring takes place in Pori.
Pori Taekwondo organizes a league competition in the traditional Pori Sports Hall. TU11 is going with a slightly smaller, but very capable team this time.
A total of 11 taekwondo athletes took part in the Loviisa games. There were first timers as well as standard equipment.
Juniors
In the boys' D2 under 30kg series, Luca Leskinen suffered an opening loss to Hipko Team's Jopi Helle. In the same series, Joni Ståhl won the first match in style, but succumbed to Christmas in the semifinals. However, bronze for both boys.
In the boys' D2 under 34kg series, the first-timer Alireza Piraveisi showed convincing performances, winning both of his matches with clear numbers. So gold for Alireza with a great performance.
In the boys' D2 under 37kg series, there was a final between TU11 boys, when Megii Moullaev and Eddie Quinones both clear their way to the final. Megii was better this time and took the gold medal. Great matches from Eddie again and this time a silver medal.
In the boys' D1 under 34kg series, Sisu Salmenniemi lost in the semi-final round of a very tight and tough match in the overtime.
This time, Aaha Moullaev competed in a higher weight category, but fought nicely to a tie until the very end of the match, but had to give up in the last seconds for silver.
Sophia Vassilaki started with a win in the girls' C1 -44kg series. In the final, however, Sophia had to bow to Jyväskylä's Vilja Aalto.
Sara Quinones did not find an opponent this time in the E-jobs under 28kg series, but we hope that Sara will get to fight for the first time.
Adults
Among the adults, as usual, 2012's Jaakko Saha was included, for whom only one opposition was found this time. Jaakko dominated the match and took the job home in style, even though headers were forbidden in Jaakko's series this time.
Sami Leskinen was an unlucky warrior in the men's amateur series. Sami's hand was broken in the first match and the games stopped at that. Get well soon Sam!
In the women's under 49kg category, Tanja Lovikka won her first match by clear numbers, but had to admit that Jyväskylä's Lotta Linna was better in the final.
Support forces
Janne Rita represented Taekwondo athletes as a judge. The coaches are Juho Kostiainen, Juho Ranta and Petteri Kauppinen. In addition, a support group consisting of parents supported and cheered ours meritoriously.
See you at the camp!
Taekwondo competitors and the judge performed very well in the Loviisa Games and the team spirit was just right. The next competitions will be held in Nurmijärvi on 13 April, where we will hopefully see an even bigger team. Before that, you can compete in the indoor competitions on 2.4.