Watson's world judo tour continues

CANBERRA SUCCESS: New Zealanders Christyn Jones (Auckland), Louise Kelly (Nelson) and Keightley Watson (Whanganui) with their medals from the ACT International Judo Open in Canberra last weekend.
PHOTO / Supplied

Whanganui's judoka Keightley Watson successfully defended his Australian Capital Territory International Open title in Canberra last weekend.

Competing in the Junior men's over 100kg division, it was another gold for Watson, who used last year's victory to springboard into the New Zealand team at the Oceania Championships.

Competing in three different divisions for the first time at this competition, the 16-year-old Watson also took gold in the Cadets over 90kg and bronze in the Senior men's over 100kg.

Father Ross Watson said temperatures in Canberra were in the mid-30's, so it was a long day of competition with little rest time between the different divisions.

His son now has a quick turnaround as he flies out next week to return to the Netherlands to resume training with Grim Vuijsters, a multiple time Dutch champion and European championship silver medallist.

That four weeks training will be the build up to competing in the International Masters Judo Open in Bremen, Germany, at the end of March.

Watson will enter Cadet Over 90kg and Junior Men's Over 100kg competition.

Ross Watson said many competitors use this event as a selection tournament to compete in the European Cup tournaments.

Keightley will come back to New Zealand for two days before heading to New Caledonia for the Oceania Judo Union Championships, again competing in the Cadet and Junior men divisions.

Whanganui judo referee Diane Limbrey was also in Canberra officiating the event, as well as being one of five New Zealand referees who attended the following International Judo Federation referee and coaching seminar.

Representatives from China, Hong Kong and Nepal were there, as well as presenters from Uzbekistan and Algeria.

Limbrey said she will be taking what she learned at the Canberra seminar to give presentations to clubs in Wellington and Christchurch.

After that, she will represent New Zealand as a referee in Pan American Judo Opens in Lima and Buenos Aires in March, and is hopeful of also going to New Caledonia for the Oceania championships in April.

By Staff Reporter
Wanganui Chronicle 24/2/18