Oceania World Cup

Samoa - 2009

23 November 2009

The South Australian Judo Academy was strongly represented at the Oceania Judo World Cup held on the 13th and 14th of November – in Apia, Samoa.

The event was the first World Ranking tournament to be held in the Oceania region, and will play a major role in selection for the London 2012 Olympic Games. Fighters from over 20 countries assembled for their chance at victory

For talented 19 year old William Jenkins, it was his first selection in a senior Australian team.

Together with 2008 Beijing Olympian Steve Brown, they filled 2 of Australia’s four positions in the formidably competitive 66 kilogram class.

Jenkins whilst gaining valuable experience went down in the first knockout round to a New Zealand opponent.

Brown, in his first appearance at a major international event since the Beijing Olympics, quickly dispatchedPapua New Guinea’s Vui.

In the quarter final Brown drew world number 2, and Olympian Gadanov of Russia. The Russian, coming off a recent win at the Rio Grand Slam proved to have too much match practice, and prevailed over Brown in a strategic fight.

Brown was then left to fight for a bronze medal in a sudden death repechage draw. His first fight was to be against fellow countrymen and Australia’s number 1 ranked fighter, Joshua Cook (qld). Brown threw Cook early into the fight for a promising score. Just 1 minute later Brown ended the fight with a throw the judges awarded Ippon (Technical Knock Out).

Brown then progressed to the bronze medal match against Kirby of New Zealand who he defeated to claim his first World Cup medal and once again regain the position as Australia’s number one 66kg fighter.

Final results: Gold: Alim GADANOV (Russia) Silver: Yang LI (China) Equal Bronze: Steven BROWN (Australia) Joel BENOIT (Canada).

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