Camberley Judo Club fighters won medals in both the Swedish Open and Welsh Open last weekend. The prestigious Swedish Open attracted 30 countries and some of the best fighters in Europe. Nathon Burns at 60kg lost narrowly in golden score to the eventual winner from Russia but blasted his way to a bronze medal. In the same division Gareth Fairclough lost his quarter final, also in over time, but wins against Polish and Canadian opponents secured him a respectable 7th place finish. Sophie Johnstone won 4 out of 5 fights to take the bronze medal at 52kgs in style defeating a strong Romanian fighter in the medal match. Tomoko Kumamoto finished in fifth place at 63kgs and was unlucky to not get a medal-winning 3 contests and losing her bronze medal contest very narrowly after leading for most of the match. Sam Lowe also placed 7th at 78kgs losing in the quarter final stage and progressing no further.
In Cardiff the same weekend some of Camberley’s younger fighters were making their mark in the Welsh Senior Open. Josh Butler continued his run of good form and took the gold in style in the 90kg division. Josh won the gold medal match in under a minute against a much more experienced Lithuanian opponent. Danny Finney and Frazer Chamberlain (Tonbridge) again showed that they were not daunted by the senior events. Frazer won the bronze medal at 73kgs for his first senior national ranking points. Danny Finney won his first three contests by maximum points but unfortunately was drawn against Frazer in the quarter final stage so only one Camberley fighter could progress to the medal matches. As all three boys are still in the junior age group this was an impressive display at senior level.
