(JAN 21) There was to be no fifth consecutive French Senior (69kg) title for Gihade Lagmiry when the 2013 French Amateur Senior Championships reached the finals stage at the Gymnase Lucan in Mantes-la-Jolie (Yvelines) on Saturday night.

The 25 years old, ninth year medical student representing U.S.Chambray was surprisingly defeated by Erika Guerrier in a low scoring bout, 9-7 with the fourth round proving all decisive.
New champion – and second seed - Guerrier admitted later that it was a difficult fight for her, adding: “ It is a victory with many emotions. Gihade is my friend. I made many sacrifices in 2012 in trying to qualify for the Olympic Games. Now I am looking forward to Rio 2016, and am more motivated than ever”.

The 48kg crown went to 25 years old Elodie Bermudez, a clear cut 22-10 victor on the night over the 18 years old, former three time Junior champion, Cassandra Crevecouer. Bermudez was much too strong on this occasion but the young Calais native, Crevecouer though is one to watch for the future.

Bermudez also impressed in her quarter final win over Laila Seikaf (18-13). She was well on top, from the opening bell, in the final against Crevecouer.

Lydia Boussaida had a convincing win in the 51kg Olympic category final against an unexpected opponent, Soundousse Marongiu. Mona Mestiaen (21) had in fact defeated Marongiu 27:12 in their semi-final bout but unluckily was injured in the process and under French ABA rules, that allowed Marongiu to participate in the final. Boussaida was much too strong and won easily having also had a comfortable win over Naouel Bourbia in Friday’s semi-final.

The boxer of the tournament award went to Sophie Revel who took the 57kg title with an outstanding display against Anissa Benyoub on a score line 25:14. It was pretty even in the opening rounds but Revel took a clear lead by end of round three against a gallant but tiring opponent and continued the onslaught in the final round to end up with a comprehensive victory - and the trophy for the outstanding boxer of the Championships.

In the 54kg final, two time winner, Delphine Mancini took the French title again defeating up and coming young 18 years old Sergolene Lefebvre 25-18. Defeated, yes but Lefebvre is sure to be one we will hear much about in the coming years.

No change either at 60kg,Olympic lightweight category where Estelle Moselly retained the 2013 title overcoming the challenge of Maiva Hammadouche 29:19 . After two pretty even rounds, Moselly regained control in round three and held on for another title.

Laetitia Chevalier retained her 64kg title defeating Amelie Blary once more, this time 23-15. Blary fought a gallant fight but lacked the power and precision to seriously challenge Chevalier. The latter said later: “This is the third time I beat Amelie in the French championship final.

Retaining the title was my ambition – which I have now fulfilled. As to international events, we will see when they arrive. For now I will enjoy this title”.

French Senior Women's Championships – Mantes -la-Jolie (Yvelines) January 15th/19th.

Semi-Finals:

48kg Elodie Bermudez Sabah Ghades 27:17
48kg Cassandra Crevecoeur Hadria Bader 20:14
51kg Lydia Boussaida Naouel Bourbia 22:7
54kg Delphine Mancini Justine Lepoultier 21:11
54kg Segolene Lefebvre Marine Rostand 14:11
57kg Sophie Revel Severine Riviere 20:4
57kg Anissa Benyoub Coletivi Yetongnon 18:17
60kg Estelle Mosselly Stelly Ferge 20:9
60kg Maiva Hammadouche Clylia Chebi AB 4
64kg Laetitia Chevalier Wendy Gervois 22:14
64kg Amelie Blary Melanie Floch 19:15
69kg Gihade Lagmiri Marion Giraud 19:4
69kg Erika Guerrier Alizee Le Mouton 21:9

Finals:

48kg Elodie Bermudez Cassandra Crevecoeur 22:10
51kg Lydia Boussaida Soundousse Marongiu 24:10
NB: Marongiu replaced injured Mestiaen in Saturday’s final).
54kg Delphine Mancini Segolene Lefebvre 25:18
57kg Sophie Revel Anissa Benyoub 25:14
60kg Estelle Mosselly Maiva Hammadouche 29:19
64kg Laetitia Chevalier Amelie Blary 23:15
69kg Erika Guerrier Gihade Lagmiri 9:7
 

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