Strong show by Bushido trio

By Stephen Leonard

BUSHIDO MA Clondalkin may have fielded only a small squad in the Munster Open in Mayfield Sports Complex, Co Cork on Sunday, but they certainly made an impact.

Karyna Nikitina, Eoghan Gorman and Shannon Gayson emerged with top podium places in all events in what was another successful day for the club.

Nikitina was once again the star of the tournament, finishing the day with four first-places including the Junior Girls Grand Champion title after she dispatched opponents from Tallaght, Mayo and Wexford to lift the top crown.

This marked her second Grand Championship trophy as she had won in Edenderry’s Combat Open a fortnight ago, lifting the Junior Girls Grand Champion Trophy also.

“Her [Nikitina’s] preparations for the Junior World Championships are coming along very well” said BMA Clondalkin Head Coach Ilija Salerno.

“We’re working a lot on strength and conditioning this year as she has moved up age and weight division so we need to adapt to the older and heavier international fighters.

“But this year, everything has gone to plan, winning with more confidence than ever and improving every time she fields” he concluded.

Eoghan Gorman took two bronze medals on the day in his continuous and points fighting categories.
Shannon Gayson made the finals of the Ladies +65kg category, but team mate Nikitina pipped her for the top spot.