Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.British hopes sustained by women's team
Judo
Britain's men's team lagged behind the women on the first day of the European Championships here yesterday, writes Philip Nicksan from The Hague.
The light-heavyweight Kate Howey, the light-middleweight Diane Bell and the new heavyweight, Michelle Rogers, all fought with intelligence and purpose to secure semi-final places tomorrow.
For the men, only Ryan Birch managed a repechage place with a chance for a bronze. Birch, having made the transition to middleweight only this year, was only beaten by Oleg Malstev, a very capable Russian.
Though only 20, Rogers threw the larger and more experienced Beata Maskymov of Poland three times in the first round, and Svetlana Lyssianskaija of Ukraine twice. If she can win an unexpected medal from this event, she should have a good chance of qualifying for the Olympics.
Bell, who has already qualified, won each of her two fights within the four-minute span, flattening Susana Singer of Germany with a footsweep and strangling Cinzia Cavazutti. Howey also produced a perfect throw, uchimata (inner thigh throw) on Tatiana Beliaeva.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments