By David Gold

Sarah_Loko_celebratingMay 14 - Britain's judoka won four medals on the first day of the British Open at the K2 in Crawley but it was France who were dominant.


The French winners were Emilie Andeol, Sarah Loko (pictured) and Geraldine Mentouopou in the +78k, -63kg and -78kg respectively.

Camberley's Nathon Burns won gold with victory over compatriot Lewis Keeble in the -66kg final.

"It's great to finally win the gold having picked up silver medals here in 2008 and 2010," said Burns.

"I had some tough contests and the Frenchman [Sofiane Milous] was very strong in the semi-final."

The 20-year-old Keeble added: "I'm delighted with getting a medal, my goal was to come in and put everything together I'm been training on and I knew it would be a big test for me.

"This is only my third senior European Cup event so at this stage a silver medal is a great result for me as I concentrate on making the step up to senior competition.

"I was particularly pleased with my win in the semi-final [against France's Clement Czukiewycz] because I've trained with him and know how good a competitor he is."

Faith Pitman and Sarah Adlington, in the -63kg and +78kg, also picked up gold medals for the British contingent.

"I'm pleased with bronze, it's not what my goal was coming in but I put in some pleasing performances to come out with a medal," said Pitman. 

"Again there's a good standard of competition and it's great to be able to compete at such an event in front of a home crowd who were fantastic all day long.

"They really made a difference for the British fighters, they spurred me on and I really appreciate their support."

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