Four Maltese Judoka, Marcon Bezzina, Joanna Camilleri, Jeremy Saywell, and Tyron Zerafa, accompanied by Chris Busuttil, have recently competed in one of the yearly Grand Prix of Sicily, the ‘Torneo di Messina’.

The Italian Cadet national team members, who then placed overall second at the European Cadet championships the week after were present at this tournament.

Included in this team were Angelina Bombara, who won the European title at the Cadet championships, and Antonio Villari, who had competed in the Malta International Open last March.

Our Cadet, Tyron Zerafa, placed ninth out of 20 in the -73 kgs. Jeremy Saywell placed second in the -66 kgs (Juniors/Seniors) out of 11 Judoka. Marcon Bezzina placed first in the -70kgs and Joanna Camilleri was third in the -63 kgs.

The girls then proceeded to Lipari for a training camp and another tournament. The camp was led by World European champion Akos Braun of Hungary and European champion Girolamo Giovinazzo of Italy, and attended by Poland, Romania, San Marino, the Italian cadet and junior squads accompanied by the national coaches.

Also taking part were various Italian Military Groups such as Fiamme Gialle, including Olympic Champion Giulia Quintavalle, Fiamme Oro, and the Carabinieri.

Joanna Camilleri won the silver medal in the -57 kgs, after beating two black belts.

Marcon Bezzina was winning her fights, but while applying a strangle she slightly injured her elbow, however she managed to land in the medal zone, winning the bronze medal in the -63 kgs.