Silver for Sarah in Georgia

Sarah Clark was the outstanding British performer at the 2009 European Judo Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia, on the weekend of April 24-26.

Sarah, who this year dropped from the -63kgs weight category to -57kgs, was the only British medallist, coming home with a well deserved silver. It is the third European medal for double Olympian Clark who won bronze at the 2004 European Championships and was European Champion in 2006 in the -63kg weight category.

Her first contest pitted her against the reigning -57kg Olympic Champion, Italy's Guila Quintavalle. Despite not scoring against Quintavalle, Clark dominated and won the contest 3-0 on a refereeing flag decision (known as Hantei where referees and judges deciding the winner using a majority decision – displayed by the lifting of a blue or white flag).

In the next round she overcame Viola Waechter (GER) with a Yuko in golden score.

Ioulietta Boukouvala of Greece, who won the prestigious Paris Tournament this year, had won both her contests in the preliminaries by Ippon and faced Clark in the semi-finals.

Clark, again, controlled the contest, outgripping the Greek, but again failed to throw her opponent. Once again it went to flags and there was little doubt over her victory as she took a unanimous decision.

Lying in wait for Clark in the final was Telma Monteiro, Portugal's World Champion at the lighter of -52kgs.

Monteiro started strongly, attacking Sarah with speed and movement. But once Sarah had settled into her stride, she used her superior strength and reach to contain the Portugeese.

For the third of the day Sarah's contest went to flags. Somewhat harshly she lost the decision 3-0. Still, a European silver medal for Sarah was a great result and has justified her switch in weight category.

Commenting on Sarah's win Patrick Roux, British Judo Head Coach said, “I am delighted with Sarah Clark's fantastic performance in Tbilisi. She was very unlucky not to win the decision in the final, which in my opinion should have been hers. Throughout the day, Sarah combined a great balance of tactical intelligence and aggression- this performance and Sarah’s professionalism should inspire the entire GB team".

Unfortunately Sarah Adlington was injured prior to competition and had to withdraw from the event.