It may have taken a while to record the first World Cup medal of 2011, but it arrived in style in Almaty, Kazakhstan this weekend.
A comprehensive quarter final win against 12 time World Cup/Grand Slam medallist Olha Sukha of the Ukraine, was the springboard for
Kearney’s medal winning performance. The semi final against former European and World Silver medallist, Oiano Blanco of Spain, was a
much closer contest. This was their third meeting, previously sharing an Ippon victory each in 2010. No Ippons this time, or scores
of any kind, with the experienced Spaniard deservedly shading a 2 Shidos to 1 Shido victory (penalties).
Blanco went on to beat Russia’s Kondratyeva by Ippon in the Final. Lisa’s bronze medal match lasted just 1 minute with a well drilled
armlock for Ippon. The other Bronze medal went to Kearney’s quarter final opponent Sukha (Ukraine).
You can see more photos in our Gallery here: http://www.irishjudoassociation.ie/gallery
report by
Ciaran Ward
