Nicolae Linca Golden Belt Memorial – Day 1 Results
Ireland claimed two wins out of three today on the opening day of the Nicolae Linca Golden Belt Memorial in Romania.
World silver medalists Kelly Harrington and Joe Ward booked tickets into the semi-finals, but Carly McNaul was unlucky not to advance after being shaded on a split by Hanna Ohata of Ukraine in Iasi.
Harrington was rarely troubled as she romped to a unanimous decision over Ukrainian Kanna Okheri in the lightweight division, and Ward stopped Moldova’s Evgheni Zaritschi in the first round of their 81kg clash.
Jennifer O’Sullivan, Irish team manager, praised the performances of the Irish trio after today’s contests.
European and World Universities bronze medalist Christina Desmond, who received a bye into the last-four, and Harrington meet Romanian opponents in the semi-finals tomorrow.
The opponents for big men Joe Ward and Kiril Afansev will be confirmed shortly.
Head coach Zaur Antia and Jimmy Payne are working Ireland’s corner in Romania.
Nicolae Linca Golden Belt Memorial Iasi, Romania (May 10th/14th)
May 10th
Q/Finals
51kg Carly McNaul (Ireland) lost to Hanna Ohata (Ukraine) 2-3
60kg Kelly Harrington (Ireland) beat Kanna Okheri (Ukraine) 5-0
81kg Joe Ward (Ireland) beat Evgheni Zaritschi (Moldova) TKO1
May 11th
60kg Kelly Harrington (Ireland) v Lacramiqara Perijoc (Romania)
75kg Christina Desmond (Ireland) v Irina Stoic (Romania)
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81kg Joe Ward (Ireland) v TBA
91kg Kiril Afansev (Ireland) v TBA
Irish Squad
52kg Carly McNaul (Ormeau Road)
60kg Kellie Harrington (St Marys)
75kg Christina Desmond (Fr Horgans)
81kg Joe Ward (Moate)
91kg Kiril Afansev (Smithfield)
Team manager: Jennifer O’Sullivan (Sliabh Luchra)
Coaches: Zaur Antia & Jimmy Payne
R&J: Ben McGarrigle
Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)
