Test of strength as Chraniuk wins gold (From Bucks Free Press)

Just the job for Judo Joe

1:40pm Friday 23rd November 2012 in Sport By Alan Feldberg

MICKLEFIELD Judo Club’s Joe Chraniuk overcame the odds to take gold in Harlow at the weekend.

There were 19 players in his U38kg weight, but Chraniuk took the title after winning four fights in a row, including a golden score triumph in the semi-final.

Also winning golds were Samir Sydykov, Nicole Dodge and Andriy Zapotichny, while Emils Canko and Alisa Sydykova added silvers.

Completing the club’s haul, Bun Phalasan, Jake Mendy, Samuel Abbas, James Morris, Chloe Dodge and Liam Avis-Bates won bronzes.

Not to be outdone, Stokenchurch Judo Club pair Leigh Hale and Daniel Cuadrado and Tim Burt from Hazlemere Judo Club all won golds at the Kent Closed and Invitation Kyu Grade Championships on Sunday. Elsewhere, Sean McKellar won silver at an international even in Holland. His Stokenchurch team-mate Shaun Banks was also competing at the G Judo Championships.