20.5.2014 / Sonkal Open

International participants in Prague

Half of May has been during last ears connected with open TKD competition hosted by Sonkal Praha. This year, an unexpected number of competitors from 18 TKD schools attended. Big surprise for hosting school w
as participation of Latvian school led by master Semenkov. Second international participant was expedition from several Slovakian schools with several representants. Total number of competitors reached 156 in three age groups. Many of them took advantage of competing in higher age or belt group and also in higher weight cathegory. This led to 244 starts.

This year, the competition was organised under auspices of Czech TKD Union and exclusively with financial support of Prague city. For winners, medals with motive of competition and silicon Sonkal wristbands were prepared.

Against original plan, the competition began at 10 a.m., 30 minutes late. However, thorough check of categories paid off and started on three rings and with one-hour-long lunch break it ran till 7:30 p.m. Spectators were able to see interesting black and red belt fights but also first competition steps of beginners with yellow belts. Benefit of this competition was system everyone against everyone in all categories so competitors gain much more experience. This competition long ago exceeded the dimension of local competition and shows that people in Prague like to compete.

Although there were more competitors this year than usual, the competition ran very smoothly and there were no major breaks. This was achieved thanks to many referees.

Shortly after lunch break, kids competition ended and cups for best individuals were given - most successful boy was Matěj Houdek and girl Anh Hong Nguyen (both from GBHS). In case of girls, Lenka Hrstková earned the same number of medals, but more fights decided for Anh. Whole afternoon belonged to seniors. Winners were Tomáš Vodička and Jana Kovářová (both from Sonkal). In the evening, competition ended with juniors and the winners were Lukáš Frič (Tong-Il) and Tereza Žilinská (Sonkal). Then, cups for best schools of Sonkal Open 2014 were given - 1. Sonkal Praha (18-18-8), 2. Dan-Gun (6-2-5) and 3. Silla (5-5-8).

For hosting school, I thank to all competitors, referees and couches for participation and successes. I will look forward to see you next year in May at Sonkal Open 2015!


Full results can be found HERE (czech version).