Judo Western Australia is proud to acknowledge the performances of four WA judoka who represented Australia at the 2025 Portimao Junior European Cup, held in Portugal from 8-9 March. The competition featured high-caliber international athletes, providing a valuable experience for our WA representatives.
Day 1: Men’s Under 66kg & Women’s Under 63kg
Timeo Tournier (UWA Judo Club) – Men’s Under 66kg
After receiving a bye in the first round, Timeo faced Italy’s Nicholas Annino in the Round of 32. Despite a strong effort, he was countered on a drop seoi-nage attempt and thrown for yuko inside the last minute of the match, leading to his elimination from the tournament.
Vas Middleton (Perth Judo Club) – Men’s Under 66kg
Vas Middleton had a strong start, defeating Spain’s David Jimenez Lopez in the opening round with a slick reverse seoi-nage in golden score. Moving into the Round of 32, Vas continued his momentum with a spectacular ippon victory over Portugal’s Leonardo Pata. In the Round of 16, Vas faced Italy’s Federico Ninfo and put up a tough fight, but was defeated by yuko in the last 20 seconds of the match. Entering the repechage, Vas took on Spain’s Pablo Rico Pedrido but was thrown for waza-ari, ending his run in the competition.
Estela Hogarth (UWA Judo Club) – Women’s Under 63kg
After a first-round bye, Estela faced Kazakhstan’s Damelya Assylkhanova in the Round of 16. Unfortunately, she received a third shido, resulting in disqualification from the match. Entering the repechage, Estela faced Spain’s Beatriz Martinez de Rituerto Morillas, where she was thrown for yuko and subsequently held down in osaekomi for ippon, ending her competition run.
Day 2: Men’s Under 81kg
Keishin Ochi (UWA Judo Club) – Men’s Under 81kg
Keishin Ochi delivered an impressive performance in the Under 81kg division. After a first-round bye, he faced Spain’s Bruno Calvo Sanchez in the Round of 16 and secured a victory after scoring waza-ari in the final 20 seconds. Advancing to the quarter-finals, Keishin took on Italy’s Francesco Sansonetti. Despite a strong effort, he was defeated by yuko, taking the match to full time. Moving into the repechage, Keishin faced Kazakhstan’s Dosbol Balgabay. Unfortunately, he was thrown for yuko and held down in osaekomi for ippon, bringing his campaign to an end.
We congratulate all four WA judoka for their performances on the international stage. Competing against top-tier opposition provides invaluable experience, and their efforts showcase the continued development of WA’s judo athletes.
