Kevin Abeltshauser from Abensberg is the German individual judo champion in the weight class up to 73 kilograms.
In the strong tournament in Stuttgart, the 22-year-old, who recently attracted attention with silver and bronze at European Cups, made it to the semi-finals after three wins. In the semi-finals, the fighter from Bundesliga record champions TSV Abensberg defeated Vincent Wieneke (TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen). Abeltshauser ended the final against Levi Märkt (SC Bushido Berlin) early after two Wazaari evaluations and made it to the top winner’s podium after third place two years ago. Abeltshauser’s clubmate Nikolas Menzl (also up to 73 kg) missed the winner’s podium after three wins and two defeats.
Michael Weber (over 100 kg) missed the bronze fight after losing to Marc Schatten in the consolation round and came seventh. Ben Howard (up to 60 kg) was no longer able to take part in the medal fight after two wins and one defeat. For Jonas Mayr (up to 66 kg) the defeat in round one was over. Franziska Neubauer (up to 63 kg) was eliminated in the consolation round after an opening success and two defeats. Manuel Scheibel from the Abensberg coaching staff was overall satisfied with the performances of the TSV judoka. “Kevin Abeltshauser’s success is of course outstanding, but also a consequence of his developments over the last few weeks,” said Scheibel. For Kevin Abeltshauser, the tournament plan towards winning the title worked out: “With Wieneke and Märkt, the strongest opponents had to be defeated in the semi-finals and final. Especially at the end of the tournament I had the strongest fights and can be happy about the success.” ro
