The semi-final day saw world class performances in which the leading countries of Turkey, Ukraine, Poland and France lost some top athletes with Moldova, Czech Republic, Sweden, Italy, Belgium, Estonia and Portugal having some stunning victories.
Goncalo Da Costa Dios Noite from Portugal squared off against Poland’s Jakub Radewski which saw a world class performance from both athletes, but it was Goncalo from Portugal booking his place in the final with a standing ovation of the entire stadium including the Polish fans.
In the 51kg female division Poland’s Roksana Dargiel went toe to toe with IFMA and World Games Champion Anastasiia Mikhailenko from Ukraine. It was a nail-biting match with both fighters putting their heart on the canvas but it was the home team who edged out Ukraine in the end.
IFMA and World Games Champion Igor Lieubchenko, faced off against Sven Linus Bylander from Sweden. Igor, once again showed his poise and talent under pressure took all three rounds against Bylander.
Greece’s Kyriakos Bakirtiz went toe to toe with World Games and World Champion, Oleh Primachov. It was Bakirtiz’s low kicks versus Primachov’s clnch and push kicks with Primochov’s hand being raised in the end to the finals.
A big upset was the match between Turkish superstar, Ezgi Keles battling Belgium’s Axana Depypere in a 3 round war. Axana’s timing, pressure and explosivity was on point allowing her to take all three rounds and her ticket to the finals.
The VIP section was once again filled with representatives from the European Olympic Committees coming to support their teams and showing that it was the right choice to include Muaythai as a full medal sport in the European Olympic Games.
The entire event was once again telecasted all over Europe at the Mysilenice Arena and is getting ready to host the final event which will be televised all over the world.
