Judo: Fairbrother lives up to all expectations
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.NICOLA FAIRBROTHER, the European lightweight champion and Olympic silver medallist, came to the European Championships here as the British competitor most likely to reach the finals, writes Philip Nicksan from Athens. Three clean wins yesterday confirmed that reputation as she won a place in tomorrow's semi-finals.
The 22-year-old journalist from Surrey was always confident and in control. In the quarter-final, against Maria Pekji, of Hungary, Fairbrother used her groundwork ability, turning her opponent quite easily into a hold she has been using since she was a junior at Pinewood Judo Club. It was enough to win the match. She now meets Zulfya Guseinova, of Azerbaijan, in the semi- final.
The bantamweight Nigel Donohue and the featherweight Jean-Paul Bell also both went through to tomorrow's semi- finals.
Bell distinguished himself in his first senior European Championships. Though the scoreline shows he won his first two matches on penalties, neither match was negative and, in his quarter-final, he threw Tommy Mortensen, of Denmark, with a decisive ouchi-gari (major inner reap).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments