Opposed in the semi-final to the Brazilian Gabriele Siqueira who had eliminated the world number one Bianca Walkden, Althéa Laurin clearly did not want to settle for a bronze medal. Winner of the first round with control but also prudence against this very fit fighter, she lost the second (7-8) but found length and precision from the start in the third with a masterly first kick validated by the video. Her opponent, twice penalized for leaving the match, suffered as the seconds passed, her physical condition left her a little and she was picked up by the Frenchwoman, happy to be in the final at the end of this fight which was once again perfectly controlled. Facing her, nothing less than the world number 2, the Korean Dabin Lee. Another level and even the best at the moment.

What a finale!

Smaller (1m77 vs 1m84), with less reach, but very precise with each kick thrown, the Korean doesn't miss much these days. Althea, though very sure of her front leg, was down, came back to 4-4, but took that masterful kick to the face (4-7), before coming back to tie again (7-7) but leaving the round to her opponent. She kept this slackness in the second round, which she won 4-3 after a superb opening kick. Everything was going to be decided in the last two minutes. Dabin Lee and her fine technique quickly put the first points, but, cautious, was sanctioned for non-combativity. This was the moment that Althea chose to accelerate. But Lee's placement was almost perfect, she dodged perfectly and, the Frenchwoman on the attack, was countered, taking a splendid back kick to lead (1-11). The final score (6-15) didn't really reflect the level of this fight and the gnaque of Althéa Laurin who still undoubtedly gained experience during this Grand Prix.

With the gold of Cyrian Ravet (-58kg) on Friday, the bronze of Théo Lucien yesterday in -68kg and this silver medal for Althéa Laurin, and waiting for the para competition which will start tomorrow at 9 am here at the Palais des Sports in Levallois, French taekwondo is already at the rendezvous of its Grand Prix at home.

The medal table has twenty-two medal-winning countries. It is dominated by France and Korea, tied with one title, one silver and one bronze medal.

Written by Olivier Remy / Sen No Sen

Crédits photos : Amandine Lauriol, Denis Sekretev / Dals

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