Vera Buga Russia defeated Leigh Newton UK in a close battle!

Gold medals were awarded today in some of the women’s and men’s divisions, meaning the end of the tournament is sadly almost upon us.

In Ring A nine gold medals went to seven countries including the host nation of Mexico, while the women’s medals were spread across the world from Thailand to Australia. The Russian women’s team took seven medals of all colours, putting them currently at the top of the medals table.

In the 57kg division Martina Micheletto defeated France’s Anaelle Angerville on points in a tough battle, with the Italian athlete taking gold. At 71kg last year’s gold  medal winner Angela Mamic had to settle for silver against Croatia’s Helen Jurisic. Alena Liashkevich retained her gold medal against Mexicos Paola Jacqueline Gonzales.

Irina Larinova also retained her world title, holding the 75kg medal for Russia against Sarah Carter (Canada). Her team-mate Viktoria Zhbankova also won against Turkey’s Mensure Kradayi.

In the elite level male bouts today, Thailand took two gold medals but not without a fight, winning on points. Arnon Phontratnok (51kg) once against faced Yelaman Sayassatov (Kazakhstan) in a repeat of their The World Games bout last year with Arnon taking a points win in spite of a late surge of energy from Yelaman in the final round.

And at 48kg Apichet Nakkaeo defeated Russia’s Ovsep Aslanyan on points with Kazakhstan and Turkey claiming bronze.

The last of the three male finals on today was at 91kgs. Neighbours Ukraine and Russia faced off in this bouts. Oleh Pryimachov (UKR) took a points win against Gadzhi Medzhidov in a fast-paced bout.

The remainder of the bouts were semi-finals for women, and the  awarding of medal for in the Competitive  B-standard.

The standard in the Competitive B level – for athletes under 23 who lack the experience to compete in Elite  – is certainly rising every year. Federations new to the IFMAs including UAE managed to claim a place on the podium where more established countries could not.

Another great bout was at 63.5kg mens when Russia’s Pavel Voltaran faced Natty Dodds from the UK, with the Russian athlete taking a win on points. In the women’s Leigh Newton was also in action for England, taking a silver medal also.

The Philippines was another small team which left a big mark, taking home gold, silver and two bronze from five athletes. And of course host nation Mexico already has seven medals including one gold with more tomorrow.

Tomorrow sees the last of the women’s and men’s elite finals with the award for Best Team hinging on these two divisions. Last year Belarus took the trophy.

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