2006-02-20

Kiev International, Feburary 18, 2006 Results

Two members of the Canadian Women's Senior National Team competed at this event which included most of Eastern Europe's top competitors. Tonya Verbeek and Carol Huynh were undefeated in the tournament. Verbeek made her way to the top of the medal podium with her third international tournament victory in the last three consecutive weekends in the US, France, and Ukraine. For Huynh it was her second trip to the finals on this European tour, but unlike last weekend where she lost a decision to Stephanie Murata of the USA in France, Huynh was victorious in her finals match up against Russian veteran Lilia Kaskarakova.

Both athletes wrestled extremely well against some formidable competitors in Kiev. They dealt with the stress of the tournament very well. Mentally Huynh and Verbeek hung tough and showed excellent focus in there toughest matches. You aren't going to get many calls and at times it can seem like things are working against you, but these two didn't flinch. If they lost a take down, or a round, they regrouped quickly and got right back to work. It was an excellent tournament, and an excellent two weeks in Europe. Carol looked like she really picked it up a notch from last weekend. These two seem like they really bring out the best in each other. I am proud of them.

Verbeek commented, "it is really beneficial for me to get out and do this, I am really enjoying competing. After medalling in Hungary (at the worlds), I was happy but you realize that you don't get to wrestle every good competitor at your weight. For me I was looking forward to getting a chance to wrestle a lot of the top girls on this trip. I wanted to prove to myself that I can be successful against the best in my weight class. I know have a few things to really work on when I get home but the competitions were good.

Carol Huynh (Burnaby, BC) 1st/15

First round win vs Zalewska (Pol) (4-4) (fall)
¼ finals win vs Stadnyk (Ukr) (4-0) (4-0)
Semi finals win vs Sadowska (Pol) (1-0) (0-1) (2-1) (05 Europe silver medallist)
Finals win vs Kaskarakova (Rus) (3-0) (1-0) (05 Worlds 5th place)

First round win vs Belinska (Pol) (6-0) (3-2) (05 European bronze medallist)
¼ finals win vs Golts (Rus) (2-2) (0-1) (2-0) (05 Worlds bronze medallist)
Semi finals win vs Bavdyk (Ukr) (6-0) (0-1) (3-0)
Finals win vs Smirnova (Rus) (0-2) (6-0) (6-0) (04 Olympics 9th place)

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