McNeish Passes German Test with Flying Colours
Christian McNeish returned to the top of the podium and boosted his confidence ahead of the forthcoming European Championships with victory at the German Open.
The 22-year-old Londoner defeated Holland’s Fahd Zaouia in the final of the -68kg weight division to take his first title of 2020.
McNeish was one of three GB Taekwondo medallists at the event in Hamburg.
Liverpudlian Josh Calland, fighting at -80kg for the first time in his career, took bronze as did Madison Moore.
“I felt good and had been training hard so I was confident going into the tournament,” said McNeish of his latest success.
“It is always nice to be on the podium especially when you get gold.
“Unfortunately, there is no time to celebrate as we have the Belgian Open coming up shortly.
“Now, I’m back into training like normal. I will continue to push hard and focus for the up and coming tournaments.”
McNeish’s career highlight came in 2018 when he won the European title in Russia.
This year’s championships are located in Zagreb, Croatia from 7th-10th May when McNeish hopes to be selected as part of the GB squad.
“I will do what I can to try and make it happen because I would love to become a two-time European champion.”
Calland, who has previously fought at -68kg and -74kg, stepped up a division and acquitted himself superbly. His run to the semi-finals included the scalp of Germany’s former world champion, Tahir Gulec.
Moore, a winner of the Austrian and Luxembourg Opens in 2019, also competed well to take bronze at -49kg.