On Saturday, November 8th, on the occasion of twenty years of Taekwon-Do in Ciechanow, Masters Mazovia Cup 2008 was held.

The best competitors from the whole of Europe were supposed to meet at this event (European Champion and Vice-Champion) in three male categories (63, 71 and 80 kg) and in one female category – 63 kg. Although the cash prize, not everyone responded to the invitation. Despite the fact representatives from 14 schools from Slovakia, Wales and Poland took part in this event. The sparring level was very high and all the fights were interesting and raptures.

Semi-final and final sparring took place during the evening Final Gala of Masters Mazovia Cup 2008 and were extremely exciting. 63 male final between Pawel Szwejkowski (Matsogi Ciechanów) and Maciej Żuk (Legnica) was highly breathtaking. There was a draw after the regular and then extra match. However Pawel Szwejkowski has gained a victory only after first scored point. Leading of the two-time World Champion Daniel Działa (Lewart Lubartów), in the fight against Łukasz Sudak (WSKT Wroclaw), was clear from the beginning. Without any doubts the umpires and audience could see who is better in that duel.

   
At left: Mariusz Cieślik LSKT and Neil Ernest Wales, at right: finalist of -71 kg category

In 71 kg male category, in the return match from final during Euros 2008 in Wroclaw, after a very high-topped sparring Ernest Neil (Wales) – World Champion 2003, beat the current European Champion Piotr Wasilewski from Warsaw.

   
At left: President ITF-Wales Mr. Paul Jermyn, IV Degree and Ernest Neil, at right: up to 80 kg finalist

Among women with no surprise the two-time World Champion Joanna Paprocka won in semi final with Sabina Mason (Ireland), and in the final she beat very talented competitor (two – times Junior World Champion) Ilona Omiecinska from Matsogi Ciechanow. In the traditional sparring there were two teams: MKS Biala Podlaska and Matsogi Ciechanow and after spectacular performance Szwejkowski brothers from Ciechanow achieved the victory. Unexpectedly, the World Cup Champion in nopi ap cha busigi Piotr Pełka (Matsogi Ciechanów) was defeated by Tomas Gajdos (Taekwon-do Ge-Baek Presov - Slovakia). Both competitors jumped up to 272 cm, but Pelka got 1 and Gajdos 2 points. Therefore Slovakian participant became a gold medalist.

   
At left: officials, at right: the organizer, Mr. Korzybski and the president of PTA Master Tadeusz Łoboda

The competition was held under the patronage of Mazowieckie Voivoidship Marshal and The President of Ciechanow City. The event was organised by Matsogi Ciechanow Club, Polish Taekwon-do Association and Sport Centre in Ciechanow.

The next Masters Mazovia Cup will be held in Ciechanow on 24th October 2009.

See the final results and medal list (XLS file, 119 kB).

See the pictures at the website of Lewart Lubartow Club.

Yours in Taekwon-do,
Michał Korzybski
President
Matsogi Ciechanow Club