Ceri Griffiths with his gold medal congratulated by Densign White.

Ceri Griffiths of Carmarthen Judo Club has won the Northern Ireland Open Championships where we was representing Wales and his club.

Ceri was competing in the under 100kg category in his first tournament, due to injury, since winning the Commonwealth bronze medal in Canada, last June.

The Open Championships in Belfast was one designated as a “ranking” event by the British Judo Association. Medal winners area awarded points, which, at the end of the competing year are totalled to give the competitors British standings.

The under 100kg group comprised of several National Champions, British International fighters, Commonwealth medallists and representatives, each attempting to reach their countries place for the Commonwealth games in Manchester next year.

The competition was a straight knockout tournament. The opening contest for Ceri proved to be a tough test of his strength and ability as he was drawn against a former British International and Commonwealth medallist. The fight proved to be a memorable show of excellent judo skills by both competitors, however, Ceri proved to be the superior athlete and threw his opponent for a fight winning Ippon throw (maximum ten points).

Ceri reached the final by winning each of his fights by the maximum Ippon throw, beating one of his fellow Welsh international along the way.

In the final he met the Northern Ireland Commonwealth representative. A knowledgeable, but partisan, crowd hoping for an Irish victory eagerly anticipated the final. However they were to be disappointed when Ceri showed his best form in throwing his opponent for another Ippon score to win the title.

He was watched by the Welsh National Coach who congratulated him on an excellent result, he was also congratulated by Mr. Densign White former Olympic, World and European judo competitor.

Ceri said “I was very tense at the start knowing a good performance would enhance my chances of being picked for the Welsh Team at next years Commonwealth Games in Manchester. Winning this ranking tournament after a long lay off has increased my confidence and I am looking forwards to my next major international in Scotland.”