OpenMat Athletes Win Medals In Florida
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Lonnie Bascome and Ramazan Ramazanov won bronze medals for OpenMat Bermuda at the Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Kissimmee, Florida, at the weekend.
Bascome, who won gold in the purple belt lightweight division at the championship two years ago, enjoyed a podium finish in the brown belt category.
Ramazanov continued his fine form, having won gold at the recent Grappling Industries Toronto Gi & No Gi Round Robin Tournament, coming third in the white belt medium-heavy division.
Also representing OpenMat, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu gym, were Siraj Grant, Ryan Hopkins, Jahmali Bridgewater, Olivia Buchanan, Elijah Richardson, Noah Vieira, Reina Maypa, Sydney Mason, James Adams, Thomas Gregory, Aaron Dyer and Chris Regan.
Dyer, the OpenMat founder, said he was encouraged by the performances of the athletes, many of whom were competing at the prestigious tournament for the first time.
“I’m happy with how the team performed,” Dyer told Bernews. “Lonnie did a superb job. He submitted his first two opponents by arm-bar and narrowly missed the third victory, losing by two points.
“Reina Maypa fought her way out of the first round, and although she didn’t medal, she claimed her first victory in a match. We’re extremely proud of her!
“Ryan Hopkins had an outstanding performance and outclassed his first two opponents but narrowly missed out on a victory in his third match.
“It was a fantastic experience for all of our athletes, and I believe it has made everyone hungry for the next one.”
