European Union champion Michaela Walsh got Ireland off to a winning start at the European Women’s Elite Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria today.
The Belfast feather, who celebrated her birthday today, beat English southpaw Karriss Artingstal on a unanimous decision to advance to the last 16.
Walsh will meet Italy’s current World champion Alessia Mesiano tomorrow for a place in the quarter-finals.
Please note that the Walsh versus Mesiano bout is on Wednesday and not Friday as previously advised.
The 57kg draw sheet – here – has it listed for Friday, the program – here – has it listed for Wednesday.
Kellie Harrington and Grainne Walsh are in action on Thursday in Sofia in the last 16 of the tournament which is acting as a qualifier for the 2019 European Games in Belarus.
Likewise, if Harrington and Walsh win tomorrow they’ll book tickets for Belarus.
The tournament continues tomorrow.
European Women’s Elite Championships Sofia, Bulgaria
June 5
Last 32
57kg Michaela Walsh (Ireland) beat Karriss Artingstal (England) 5-0
June 6
Last 16
57kg Michaela Walsh (Ireland) v Alessia Mesiano (Italy)
June 7
Last 16
60kg Kellie Harrington (Ireland) v Katerina Humlova (Czech Republic)
69kg Grainne Walsh (Ireland) v Iaroslava Iakushina (Russia)
Irish squad
57kg Michaela Walsh (Monkstown)
60kg Kellie Harrington (St Mary’s)
69kg Grainne Walsh (Sparticus)
Team Manager: Bernard Dunne
Head Coach: Zaur Antia
Coach: Dmitry Dmitruk
Physio: Muireann Harte