Final day at the 2012 World Championships
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The final day 5 of the World Championships was a fairly quiet one with adult team & individual power & special technique to take place along with the final of the adult male & female team sparring.

UK ITF had teams & individuals enter the power & special technique, all performed really well but did not finish in the medals.

After a dinner break at 1pm it was the turn of the ladies to compete in the final against Argentina. First up was Nicola Barke who had won a World title in sparring just days before. After a very close fight Nicola was unlucky not to get a win & Argentina took the first two points. Gemma O''Connor was put up next for England & after two minutes of hard fighting Gemma got a well earnt draw & one point to England. Next up was Laurie Cornwell & with a sparring silver medal under her belt she was inspired with confidence which brought out some fantastic techniques in her match. Her result was a draw too, which gave England another point. This left the score 4 - 2 to Argentina. We needed to win the next match to stay in with a chance & it was our put up. Argentina had a Hyper weight & one other fighter left so we knew who they were going to pick! England put up Jay Gilbert who had won a bronze in the welterweight category. Jay put up an amazing fight & really came into her own in the second half of the fight. The Argentinian used her height well & bagged the win, leaving England with a very well earned Silver. Well done ladies.

Day 5 finished with medal ceremonies & the closing ceremony where Master Choi made a good speech mentioning Master Nicholls & about how one day he hopes to see competitors represent our ITF at the Olympics. We were then treated to some Traditional Japanese drumming & some dancing that would set the tone for the evening of celebrations to come.

Overall Team UK were well represented in not only the standard of their competition but also the behavior & presense of all coaches,competitors & supporters. A highly succesful week that everyone involved should be extremely proud to have been a part of. Congratulations to all.

Written by: Kerry Burridge - 16th August 2012

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