Marcon Bezzina (photo) has started her preparations for the Beijing Olympics 2008 with an impressive performance in the Commonwealth Championship in Derry, N. Ireland, where she obtained a bronze medal.

At present she is enjoying the benefits of an Olympic Solidarity scholarship offered to her by the Malta Olympic Committee. She has been training at Bath University since May under the direction of German Jurgen Klinger.

In Derry, her coach was Hidemi Soda, an all Japan champion, who is also one of the Japanese instructors at Bath University.

Due to various reasons, Bezzina could not compete in her usual 57kg category and took part in the 61kg class instead.

There were seven judokas contesting the category. The others hailed from Canada, Wales, England, N. Ireland, Scotland and New Zealand.

Marcon had a difficult draw as she was pooled against New Zealand’s national champion, Clutha Mahana, and Sarah Jones from Scotland. Therefore, while the rest had an opportunity to play three times in the pool of four, Marcon only had two opportunities to prove her worth. She was even the first to start the tournament, adding more pressure and excitement.

However, Marcon immediately started dominating Mahana, who showed her experience by blocking several attacks from Marcon. But Bezzina still won by superiority.

Marcon next had to face Sarah Jones. During a moment of distraction in the 4th minute, when both of them were still with no points, Marcon attacked and was countered for Ippon (10 points). After beating Marcon, Sarah Jones was still strong enough to beat the New Zealand girl, and Marcon and Sarah passed on to the finals.

Here, Marcon had to face Kelly Roberts, English national champion, in the semi-finals. This meant that if Marcon won, she would be competing for gold or silver. Marcon controlled Roberts and attacked continuously accumulating another yuko (5 points) and was winning and taking control of the match.

However, she was still looking for that Ippon (10 points) to close the match in her favour. Chin out, she attacked Roberts with Sumi-gayeshi (throwing techniques). Kelly replied with a Wazaari (7 points). It was too late for Marcon to recuperate this large disadvantage in the few seconds left and Roberts won with seven points against Marcon’s five points.

Marcon had to be content with a bronze medal, still a very prestigious result for Malta, considering Marcon only had four weeks preparation at Bath University.