Taekwondo: Mandic wins bronze in China

SUZHOU – Serbia’s Milica Mandic won the bronze medal in the Women Over 67kg event at the 2014 World Taekwondo Grand Prix Series 1 in China on Friday.

In the Chinese city of Suzhou, Mandic first defeated Germany’s Melda Akcan 6-2, and then went on to beat Li Donghua of China 3-2 and clinch a quarterfinal victory against Reshmie Oogink of the Netherlands 5-1.

In the semifinals, she lost to Briceida Acosta Balarezo of Mexico 7-1.
“We are pleased about the continuity of medal winning. We do, however, sigh over not taking a brighter medal, but we cannot be unsatisfied. Obviously, Milica has not yet adapted to this climate and the time difference and had trouble breathing. The better competitor won, and we are moving on,” said Serbia’s coach Dragan Jovic.

The 32 best fighters in the Olympic WTF list took part in the tournament, and Mandic received USD 1,000 as a bronze medalist.

Serbia’s athletes will next compete at the 2014 Gyeongju Korea Open International Taekwondo Championships, a G-2 event taking place in July.

Photo Tanjug, R. Prelic