GALLERIES PAGE
Various slideshows from each of the days of practice and competition. These will be loaded up as and when completed, so keep checking back to see any additions. We have now put them in date order for easy reference... there are still two more large slideshows to come from Saturdays match, which we hope will be uploaded tomorrow!
TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY: A small selection of photos from the early part of practice week.
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| THURSDAY: A small selection of photos from Thursday's two practice sessions. |
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A bus passes over the special 'bus' bridge at the end of C section.
A bus passes over the special 'bus' bridge at the end of C section.
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Belgian Geert Jacobs takes Guido Nullens new pole and measures it against a correct length one. They then chopped off around 20cm in order that it would comply with the regulations which states that a poles maximum length will be 13 metres EXACTLY!
Belgian Geert Jacobs takes Guido Nullens new pole and measures it against a correct length one. They then chopped off around 20cm in order that it would comply with the regulations which states that a poles maximum length will be 13 metres EXACTLY!
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One of the Hungarian team tries out the big waggler in C section during Thursday's practice. It wasn't a method that was ultimately used during the Champs, which seemed quite surprising beforehand.
One of the Hungarian team tries out the big waggler in C section during Thursday's practice. It wasn't a method that was ultimately used during the Champs, which seemed quite surprising beforehand.
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The Italian team sporting their new bright yellow hoods... maybe they don't do them in 'Azzurri' blue!
The Italian team sporting their new bright yellow hoods... maybe they don't do them in 'Azzurri' blue!
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Buried beneath his yellow hood is Jacopo Falsini, trying to weather the atrocious wind conditions that hit the venue, particularly A and B sections, during Thursdays practice.
Buried beneath his yellow hood is Jacopo Falsini, trying to weather the atrocious wind conditions that hit the venue, particularly A and B sections, during Thursdays practice.
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England joint manager Mark Addy chats with Steve Gardener during practice in a much calmer C section.
England joint manager Mark Addy chats with Steve Gardener during practice in a much calmer C section.
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Des Shipp managed to 'snare' this slab during Thursdays practice before the weather turned worse.
Des Shipp managed to 'snare' this slab during Thursdays practice before the weather turned worse.
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Sean Ashby stretches as another lump comes to the net on Thursday. What Sean wouldn't have given for that on Saturday!
Sean Ashby stretches as another lump comes to the net on Thursday. What Sean wouldn't have given for that on Saturday!
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The USA's Robert Rich looked more than happy with this fish from their 'box' next door to England on Thursday.
The USA's Robert Rich looked more than happy with this fish from their 'box' next door to England on Thursday.
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Another bream comes to England's bream tactics. They would pay a price for giving too much away during practice sessions.
Another bream comes to England's bream tactics. They would pay a price for giving too much away during practice sessions.
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The weather gets worse as England go through their weigh-in procedure and analyse how the session went.
The weather gets worse as England go through their weigh-in procedure and analyse how the session went.
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Stu Conroy with a cracking haul of Lage Vaart bream to finish off Thursday's session. His training session under the 5x World Champ on Tuesday has obviously paid off!!!
Stu Conroy with a cracking haul of Lage Vaart bream to finish off Thursday's session. His training session under the 5x World Champ on Tuesday has obviously paid off!!!
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Des Shipp with an all important bream in the catch. These fish would define where England, along with other teams, finished in the Championship.
Des Shipp with an all important bream in the catch. These fish would define where England, along with other teams, finished in the Championship.
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FRIDAY: A collection of shots of various countrys and anglers during Friday's final practice sessions. This slideshow features England who had drawn box E1.
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The view looking up E section with England in the foreground. Our thanks to Dimitri Druiven for the shot.
The view looking up E section with England in the foreground. Our thanks to Dimitri Druiven for the shot.
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The finals days practice for England on E section starts with a barrage...
The finals days practice for England on E section starts with a barrage...
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The short line was the main small fish attack plan at around 6 to 8m and was where most of the jaffas went in! Our thanks to Dimitri Druiven for the shot.
The short line was the main small fish attack plan at around 6 to 8m and was where most of the jaffas went in! Our thanks to Dimitri Druiven for the shot.
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Will Raison and Steve Gardener practice synchronised balling on the first two pegs in E secion. Our thanks to Dimitri Druiven for the shot.
Will Raison and Steve Gardener practice synchronised balling on the first two pegs in E secion. Our thanks to Dimitri Druiven for the shot.
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Will is into a fish pretty quickly.
Will is into a fish pretty quickly.
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This bream requires Steve Gardener to do a bit of stretching. This was a familiar procedure as light elastics were used, numbers 4 to 5. This offered the safe option of being able to land small fish, whilst still having the ability to handle a bream, should it turn up.
This bream requires Steve Gardener to do a bit of stretching. This was a familiar procedure as light elastics were used, numbers 4 to 5. This offered the safe option of being able to land small fish, whilst still having the ability to handle a bream, should it turn up.
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And here is the proof.
And here is the proof.
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Englands management team discuss the final day and options for the weekend.
Englands management team discuss the final day and options for the weekend.
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A slightly better bream this time for Steve Gardener.
A slightly better bream this time for Steve Gardener.
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A handful for Will Raison... Lage Vaart bream are solid fish and fight incredibly hard.
A handful for Will Raison... Lage Vaart bream are solid fish and fight incredibly hard.
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No bream for Sean Ashby, but a good net of roach from the short line.
No bream for Sean Ashby, but a good net of roach from the short line.
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Stu Conroy holds up a solitary bream... this would be the minimum target plan for England in each sector.
Stu Conroy holds up a solitary bream... this would be the minimum target plan for England in each sector.
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Des Shipp with another good net of Dutch roach. Like Sean, he fished the short line for the final days practice session.
Des Shipp with another good net of Dutch roach. Like Sean, he fished the short line for the final days practice session.
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| FRIDAY: A collection of shots of various countrys and anglers during Friday's final practice sessions. |
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The Italians get ready for Fridays practice. I wonder if they have enough buckets? Our thanks to Dimitri Druiven for the shot.
The Italians get ready for Fridays practice. I wonder if they have enough buckets? Our thanks to Dimitri Druiven for the shot.
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The Belgians start the final days practice session in D section.
The Belgians start the final days practice session in D section.
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One of the Czech team trys a spot of far bank feeding with the catapult. It was surprising that no one actually fish the big waggler during the tournament.
One of the Czech team trys a spot of far bank feeding with the catapult. It was surprising that no one actually fish the big waggler during the tournament.
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Italys Jacopo Falsini brings in a net roach from the beginning of B section.
Italys Jacopo Falsini brings in a net roach from the beginning of B section.
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That all important bream gets netted with a super long landing net handle by Belgiums Geert Jacobs.
That all important bream gets netted with a super long landing net handle by Belgiums Geert Jacobs.
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Another bream in a catchshot from the smiling Geert Hacobs. He is making a habit of this!
Another bream in a catchshot from the smiling Geert Hacobs. He is making a habit of this!
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Hans Slegers also shows he is a dab-hand with the long net handle as well. These are an essential tool for many continental anglers, as the venues they fish can have banks quite a distance from the waters edge.
Hans Slegers also shows he is a dab-hand with the long net handle as well. These are an essential tool for many continental anglers, as the venues they fish can have banks quite a distance from the waters edge.
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Belgian team manager, Roland Marcq, leaves Geert Jacobs muttering something about ******* English weather
Belgian team manager, Roland Marcq, leaves Geert Jacobs muttering something about ******* English weather
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Hungary's Tamas Walter nets a quality roach during Fridays final practice session in E section. It was a pity his weekend did not follow the same pattern!
Hungary's Tamas Walter nets a quality roach during Fridays final practice session in E section. It was a pity his weekend did not follow the same pattern!
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The Irish lads get down to a final serious practice in A section. Their tournament would go from bad to worse, dropping them from 25th to 33rd on the final day.
The Irish lads get down to a final serious practice in A section. Their tournament would go from bad to worse, dropping them from 25th to 33rd on the final day.
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The Belgians, flanked by their mentor and manager of 20 years, Roland Marcq!
The Belgians, flanked by their mentor and manager of 20 years, Roland Marcq!
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As usual, like the Italians, the French came mob-handed, and dont they look a happy bunch. Their weekend had a silver lining!!!
As usual, like the Italians, the French came mob-handed, and dont they look a happy bunch. Their weekend had a silver lining!!!
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| SATURDAY: Our first Saturday slideshow shows England's Alan Scotthorne in action, as he powered his way to a sector win in section A on day one of the tournament with a catch of three bream and bits for 8,433kgs. |
SATURDAY: E sections sector 2 was quite tight on Saturday with Steve Gardener only just managing to take the section in the last 5 minutes with a bream.
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The view looking up E section.
The view looking up E section.
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Joszef Varga eventually ended the tournament as his countrys best performer. This 4,579kg net earned Hungary their first and only sector win of the day. He would end the competition with 4pts overall.§
Joszef Varga eventually ended the tournament as his countrys best performer. This 4,579kg net earned Hungary their first and only sector win of the day. He would end the competition with 4pts overall.§
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Smiling Russian Yuri Radugin... maybe he knew how the day was going to end!
Smiling Russian Yuri Radugin... maybe he knew how the day was going to end!
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A good balling in on 7-8m was a good plan, especially as we know which team he got it from!!!
A good balling in on 7-8m was a good plan, especially as we know which team he got it from!!!
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Benoit Pellegrino nets a fair bream on his way to a second in sector. The Frenchman gave good support to his team, which ended the first day, 1pt behind the eventual gold medal winners, Slovakia.
Benoit Pellegrino nets a fair bream on his way to a second in sector. The Frenchman gave good support to his team, which ended the first day, 1pt behind the eventual gold medal winners, Slovakia.
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Italian Stefano Defendi, nets a good roach from E18, but found Englands Steve Gardener too good, and he finished down in 7th place with 2,352kg.
Italian Stefano Defendi, nets a good roach from E18, but found Englands Steve Gardener too good, and he finished down in 7th place with 2,352kg.
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Slovenian Miro Matjasec had a good day from E26. He weighed in 2,663kg for 5th in sector, beating strong opposition from Italy and Poland. It must of had something to do with that special magic hat he was wearing!
Slovenian Miro Matjasec had a good day from E26. He weighed in 2,663kg for 5th in sector, beating strong opposition from Italy and Poland. It must of had something to do with that special magic hat he was wearing!
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The tiny Channel Islands can sometimes be dwarfed in these competitions, but that does not stop them competing strongly. Here, the one star Michelin chef, of TV fame, Shaun Rankin, gets to grips with a quality Lage Vaart roach which helped him to a 3rd in sector 3 with 2,870kgs.
The tiny Channel Islands can sometimes be dwarfed in these competitions, but that does not stop them competing strongly. Here, the one star Michelin chef, of TV fame, Shaun Rankin, gets to grips with a quality Lage Vaart roach which helped him to a 3rd in sector 3 with 2,870kgs.
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Romanian Radu Prisecaru nets a roach on his way to recording a 7th in sector with 2,509kgs. Although his team had a good first day, finishing halfway, they slipped up on day two and finally ended in 26th place overall.
Romanian Radu Prisecaru nets a roach on his way to recording a 7th in sector with 2,509kgs. Although his team had a good first day, finishing halfway, they slipped up on day two and finally ended in 26th place overall.
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Dutch star John Savelkoul had a poor day one, and like Englands Sean Ashby, he made way for the reserve on day two.
Dutch star John Savelkoul had a poor day one, and like Englands Sean Ashby, he made way for the reserve on day two.
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A legend in his own country and on the bank, Belgian Guido Nullens is still an example to all anglers. His overall tournament score of 6pts was his countrys second highest points score and he remains one of their most valuable assets!
A legend in his own country and on the bank, Belgian Guido Nullens is still an example to all anglers. His overall tournament score of 6pts was his countrys second highest points score and he remains one of their most valuable assets!
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Steve Gardener, empties his net into the weigh sling in what will be a tight finish with the Frenchman Pellegrino. His 3,974kg is just enough to seal the sector win, thanks to a late bream which was all part of the team plan.
Steve Gardener, empties his net into the weigh sling in what will be a tight finish with the Frenchman Pellegrino. His 3,974kg is just enough to seal the sector win, thanks to a late bream which was all part of the team plan.
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| SATURDAY: More action from sections A, C and D in Saturdays first match. |
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Gianluigi Sorti nets a small skimmer in A section to finish behind Alan Scotthorne.
Gianluigi Sorti nets a small skimmer in A section to finish behind Alan Scotthorne.
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Montenegran Nikola Blesic nets a bream in the productive A1 sector which helps him to 2,793kgs, a good weight in many other sectors, but not in this one. He finished in 9th place.
Montenegran Nikola Blesic nets a bream in the productive A1 sector which helps him to 2,793kgs, a good weight in many other sectors, but not in this one. He finished in 9th place.
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A1 sector's weigh sheet for day one. The sector got even better on day two!
A1 sector's weigh sheet for day one. The sector got even better on day two!
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England's Alan Scotthorne calmly starts to pack up while waiting for the scales to arrive. He knows the sector is his!
England's Alan Scotthorne calmly starts to pack up while waiting for the scales to arrive. He knows the sector is his!
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Italy's Jacopo Falsini prepares to net a good bream from C34. Unfortunately Jacopo, like Des Shipp, could do nothing to stop Russia's Igor Potapov from recording the first of two sector wins!
Italy's Jacopo Falsini prepares to net a good bream from C34. Unfortunately Jacopo, like Des Shipp, could do nothing to stop Russia's Igor Potapov from recording the first of two sector wins!
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He's starting to become a distinctive feature of the Championships... Didier and his floppy white hat!
He's starting to become a distinctive feature of the Championships... Didier and his floppy white hat!
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Normally one of Germany's star players, Ralf Herdlitschke. Like his team, Ralf suffered badly over these Championships. His 5th place on Saturday would be the best he would achieve in the 2009 event.
Normally one of Germany's star players, Ralf Herdlitschke. Like his team, Ralf suffered badly over these Championships. His 5th place on Saturday would be the best he would achieve in the 2009 event.
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The brothers Jensen watch intently as Simon's (Rikard left, Simon right) weight settles on the scales to give him a superb sector win from C25.
The brothers Jensen watch intently as Simon's (Rikard left, Simon right) weight settles on the scales to give him a superb sector win from C25.
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Igor Potapov's fish count for day one. His 68 fish to Falsini's 79 and Shipp's 91, told its own story of where the bigger fish ended up!!!
Igor Potapov's fish count for day one. His 68 fish to Falsini's 79 and Shipp's 91, told its own story of where the bigger fish ended up!!!
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England joint manager Mark Downes lends some support to Sean Ashby as he sits waiting for a bream.
England joint manager Mark Downes lends some support to Sean Ashby as he sits waiting for a bream.
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Portugal's Jose Amorim brings a quality roach to the net as he builds a weight of 3,514kg for a 4th in sector from D3.
Portugal's Jose Amorim brings a quality roach to the net as he builds a weight of 3,514kg for a 4th in sector from D3.
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The depressing moment of truth for England's Sean Ashby. A sad end to his Championships as Stu Conroy will take over for the final day.
The depressing moment of truth for England's Sean Ashby. A sad end to his Championships as Stu Conroy will take over for the final day.
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Belgium's Geert Jacobs ships out in D26, looking for one of his favourite fish... bream! Unfortunately he didn't get one, but we think he did manage one on Sunday!!!
Belgium's Geert Jacobs ships out in D26, looking for one of his favourite fish... bream! Unfortunately he didn't get one, but we think he did manage one on Sunday!!!
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Serbian team boss Milan Milosavljevic walks back to the top of team members Goran Radovics' zone.
Serbian team boss Milan Milosavljevic walks back to the top of team members Goran Radovics' zone.
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Luxembourg's Rene Stronck starts these Championships the same way as he finished the European event in Slovenia... by taking a sector 2nd with 5,105kgs. Unfortunately, his day two performance saw him finish 8th in section C, sector 1.
Luxembourg's Rene Stronck starts these Championships the same way as he finished the European event in Slovenia... by taking a sector 2nd with 5,105kgs. Unfortunately, his day two performance saw him finish 8th in section C, sector 1.
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The Ukraine's Sergiy Burdak took his sector's top place with these two slabs from D36. Poor Sergiy then drew badly on day two and finished one from the bottom of his sector in A section!
The Ukraine's Sergiy Burdak took his sector's top place with these two slabs from D36. Poor Sergiy then drew badly on day two and finished one from the bottom of his sector in A section!
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SATURDAY: Our final two Saturday slideshows feature sections B and C. NEW
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Holland's rising star Stefan Altena had a reasonable start to the tournament, finishing the first day with 4pts from C8.
Holland's rising star Stefan Altena had a reasonable start to the tournament, finishing the first day with 4pts from C8.
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Krzysztof Bukrak was Poland's only sector winner on day one and although that put him in with a great chance of a gold medal, found his draw in A section the following day could only earn him 7pts and his title race was over.
Krzysztof Bukrak was Poland's only sector winner on day one and although that put him in with a great chance of a gold medal, found his draw in A section the following day could only earn him 7pts and his title race was over.
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Czech Luca Pergreffi was obviously more interested in the crowd behind, rather than his float!
Czech Luca Pergreffi was obviously more interested in the crowd behind, rather than his float!
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South African Werner Lubbe suffered the proverbial nightmare on the first day with a weight which didn't break the kilo mark in C section.
South African Werner Lubbe suffered the proverbial nightmare on the first day with a weight which didn't break the kilo mark in C section.
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Irish eyes were certainly not smiling for Rory Dunne on Saturday. His 1,296kg could only get him 10th in sector , the same as he would score on day two.
Irish eyes were certainly not smiling for Rory Dunne on Saturday. His 1,296kg could only get him 10th in sector , the same as he would score on day two.
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Belgium's normally solid 'Rock', Eric Di Venti, could do nothing about the poor draw which he pulled in C section's first sector.
Belgium's normally solid 'Rock', Eric Di Venti, could do nothing about the poor draw which he pulled in C section's first sector.
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Scotland's George Glen was another who suffered as well, as he was only a couple of hundred grams behind Eric. He too would take on some running duties next day!
Scotland's George Glen was another who suffered as well, as he was only a couple of hundred grams behind Eric. He too would take on some running duties next day!
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Hungary's Nagy Benedek's first day poor fifth in sector would recover dramatically on Sunday with a fine section win from D section's sector 2.
Hungary's Nagy Benedek's first day poor fifth in sector would recover dramatically on Sunday with a fine section win from D section's sector 2.
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Latvia's star man Normunds Grabovskis obviously found the numbered tabard a bit too tight, so found a better place to hang it!
Latvia's star man Normunds Grabovskis obviously found the numbered tabard a bit too tight, so found a better place to hang it!
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MA Plus member Hakan Svedlund also caught the tail-end of his sector and like South Africa's Werner Lubbe, didn't break the kilo mark.
MA Plus member Hakan Svedlund also caught the tail-end of his sector and like South Africa's Werner Lubbe, didn't break the kilo mark.
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Aussie Alan Johnson had a 'blinding' day on C21 finishing with 2,673kgs for a superb 4th in sector. He would pay heavily the following day for that successful start!
Aussie Alan Johnson had a 'blinding' day on C21 finishing with 2,673kgs for a superb 4th in sector. He would pay heavily the following day for that successful start!
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Simon Jensen was the pride of Denmark after his first day's brilliant sector 2 win in C section.
Simon Jensen was the pride of Denmark after his first day's brilliant sector 2 win in C section.
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Simon's 3,962kg net which featured a couple of tasty slabs, or lids! Simon's second day march to the podium was ironically spoilt under the new points system by the person who took the medal above him... Will Raison!
Simon's 3,962kg net which featured a couple of tasty slabs, or lids! Simon's second day march to the podium was ironically spoilt under the new points system by the person who took the medal above him... Will Raison!
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Lee Edwards can never be discounted from competition, despite a poor first day result. The Welshman came back strongly on day two with a superb, yet narrow sector win, in A section.
Lee Edwards can never be discounted from competition, despite a poor first day result. The Welshman came back strongly on day two with a superb, yet narrow sector win, in A section.
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Italy's Jacopo Falsini looks as though he's falling asleep while making the ammunition for his groundbait barrage! Perhaps he'll wake up when the hooter sounds?
Italy's Jacopo Falsini looks as though he's falling asleep while making the ammunition for his groundbait barrage! Perhaps he'll wake up when the hooter sounds?
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Good News... Jacopo did wake up as expected and managed to pot out some neat joker to his 13 metre line. Those tiring groundbait balls obviously had some effect because he finished the day in 2nd place behind Russian Igor Potapov and in front of England's Des Shipp!
Good News... Jacopo did wake up as expected and managed to pot out some neat joker to his 13 metre line. Those tiring groundbait balls obviously had some effect because he finished the day in 2nd place behind Russian Igor Potapov and in front of England's Des Shipp!
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Des Shipp brings a small roach in with the net, narrowly missing his country's joint manager's head!
Des Shipp brings a small roach in with the net, narrowly missing his country's joint manager's head!
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Scotland's George Glen chats with runner Gus Brindle while the officials weigh him in.
Scotland's George Glen chats with runner Gus Brindle while the officials weigh him in.
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Both England's managers discuss the days outcome after the weigh in on section C.
Both England's managers discuss the days outcome after the weigh in on section C.
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Two Dutch stars together... Dieter Friedereichs and Stefan Altena. Five points between them for their team.
Two Dutch stars together... Dieter Friedereichs and Stefan Altena. Five points between them for their team.
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Holland's Christiaan Surquin was one of his country's best performaers on day 1 from peg B1.
Holland's Christiaan Surquin was one of his country's best performaers on day 1 from peg B1.
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South Africa's Robbie Liebenberg on B2 could only finish 7th in his sector on day 1. He would improve a place on day 2 and help his side to one of their best ever Championship results
South Africa's Robbie Liebenberg on B2 could only finish 7th in his sector on day 1. He would improve a place on day 2 and help his side to one of their best ever Championship results
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Scotland's runner Gus Brindle checks with the steward on just how well how his man, Jamie Masson, is doing on B3. Jamie was on top form and took 2nd in section with 5,015kgs.
Scotland's runner Gus Brindle checks with the steward on just how well how his man, Jamie Masson, is doing on B3. Jamie was on top form and took 2nd in section with 5,015kgs.
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Sweden's Per-Erik Gylbrant gets some encouragement from one of his team coaches during the first day of competition. Per-Erik eventually finished 4th in section with 4,011kgs.
Sweden's Per-Erik Gylbrant gets some encouragement from one of his team coaches during the first day of competition. Per-Erik eventually finished 4th in section with 4,011kgs.
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Top Belgian Hans Slegers needs no such encouragement as he powers to a sector win from B5. Hans weighed in 5,906kg to add his name to 14 others anglers who would win their sectors on day 1 and put themselves in with a chance of becoming World Champion.
Top Belgian Hans Slegers needs no such encouragement as he powers to a sector win from B5. Hans weighed in 5,906kg to add his name to 14 others anglers who would win their sectors on day 1 and put themselves in with a chance of becoming World Champion.
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Aljosa Kupec nets a good roach from B9 to finish 5th in his sector.
Aljosa Kupec nets a good roach from B9 to finish 5th in his sector.
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Hungary's Szilard Magyar found the Lage Vaart a different proposition to Slovenia's River Sava and could only manage a 6th from the wrong end of his B1 sector. It got worse on Sunday as he once more drew the wrong end of E3 sector and finished 8th!
Hungary's Szilard Magyar found the Lage Vaart a different proposition to Slovenia's River Sava and could only manage a 6th from the wrong end of his B1 sector. It got worse on Sunday as he once more drew the wrong end of E3 sector and finished 8th!
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Team Australia were a little out of their depth like their fellow 'antipidians' New Zealand, but still managed to avoid the dreaded last place. Team captain Howard Johns sits waiting for a bite on B11 and like Hungarian master Szilard, found it to be the wrong end!
Team Australia were a little out of their depth like their fellow 'antipidians' New Zealand, but still managed to avoid the dreaded last place. Team captain Howard Johns sits waiting for a bite on B11 and like Hungarian master Szilard, found it to be the wrong end!
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Austrian Christian Weber nets a small roach on B13, but it couldn't help him better an 11th sector place!
Austrian Christian Weber nets a small roach on B13, but it couldn't help him better an 11th sector place!
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Slovakian Igor Holecek was one of his country's star players, eventually finishing up with 4pts overall for an 8th individual placing. Both he and Ratislav Dudr spearheaded Slovakia's gold medal performance.
Slovakian Igor Holecek was one of his country's star players, eventually finishing up with 4pts overall for an 8th individual placing. Both he and Ratislav Dudr spearheaded Slovakia's gold medal performance.
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Welsh team boss Eric Humphreys sits behind Andrew 'Spud' Murphy. When Eric looks back at how Wales had drawn, he must wonder what went wrong over the weekend, as it looked on paper as this was Wales' best chance of a podium finish in many a year.
Welsh team boss Eric Humphreys sits behind Andrew 'Spud' Murphy. When Eric looks back at how Wales had drawn, he must wonder what went wrong over the weekend, as it looked on paper as this was Wales' best chance of a podium finish in many a year.
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Frenchman Alain Dewimille nets a quality skimmer from B23 to help secure 4pts for his team, who eventually finished the day 5pts behind a rampant Russia.
Frenchman Alain Dewimille nets a quality skimmer from B23 to help secure 4pts for his team, who eventually finished the day 5pts behind a rampant Russia.
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A last in sector for the Czech Republic's Pavel Prasek would have done nothing for his confidence as he found himself substituted, like England's Sean Ashby, for the final day.
A last in sector for the Czech Republic's Pavel Prasek would have done nothing for his confidence as he found himself substituted, like England's Sean Ashby, for the final day.
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One of the many MA Plus members fishing these Championships, Finland's Jouni Lillman had a great start with a 3rd in sector B3. He matched that performance on day 2 and was easily his country's best angler, securing their status as top 'Nordic' dog for 2009!
One of the many MA Plus members fishing these Championships, Finland's Jouni Lillman had a great start with a 3rd in sector B3. He matched that performance on day 2 and was easily his country's best angler, securing their status as top 'Nordic' dog for 2009!
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New Zealand's Matt Sellen eases a fish towards him on B33. Matt finished with 8pts in the sector, claiming the notable scalps of Italy's Ferruccio Gabba and German Harald Windel. Not bad for a first-timer!
New Zealand's Matt Sellen eases a fish towards him on B33. Matt finished with 8pts in the sector, claiming the notable scalps of Italy's Ferruccio Gabba and German Harald Windel. Not bad for a first-timer!
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Spain's Manso J. Francisco Hermando 2009 campaign started poorly. He did recover on day two to take a 2nd in sector E1 but will no doubt be looking forward to 2010 on home soil!
Spain's Manso J. Francisco Hermando 2009 campaign started poorly. He did recover on day two to take a 2nd in sector E1 but will no doubt be looking forward to 2010 on home soil!
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The final hooter has gone and competitors get ready for the moment of truth!
The final hooter has gone and competitors get ready for the moment of truth!
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England's Mark Addy takes the weight off his shoulders after the first day of competition...
England's Mark Addy takes the weight off his shoulders after the first day of competition...
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... and then has a bite to eat from McDonalds, along with England's special Euro Champ runner, Steve Hemingray.
... and then has a bite to eat from McDonalds, along with England's special Euro Champ runner, Steve Hemingray.
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The weigh-in complete, 'BIG' traffic can once again flow through the Lage Vaart.
The weigh-in complete, 'BIG' traffic can once again flow through the Lage Vaart.
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SUNDAY: A collection of shots of anglers fishing in the first two sectors of A section.
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Belgiums Geert Jacobs nets a good bream from A1.
Belgiums Geert Jacobs nets a good bream from A1.
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A nice 1.5kg fish to add to his final 9,069kg weight. Another one like that and his team would of taken silver!
A nice 1.5kg fish to add to his final 9,069kg weight. Another one like that and his team would of taken silver!
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Hollands Dieter Friederichs about to swing in what looks to be a roach from his A5 peg.
Hollands Dieter Friederichs about to swing in what looks to be a roach from his A5 peg.
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Here, Dieter looks to have a better fish ready to net this time. He would finish the day 6th in sector and 24th overall. Unfortunately, he could not match his first day sector win.
Here, Dieter looks to have a better fish ready to net this time. He would finish the day 6th in sector and 24th overall. Unfortunately, he could not match his first day sector win.
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Eventual sector winner, Esteve Martinez Surroca net a good skimmer from peg A8. It helped him weigh in a total of 10,592kgs on the day, the only man to post double figures over the weekend.
Eventual sector winner, Esteve Martinez Surroca net a good skimmer from peg A8. It helped him weigh in a total of 10,592kgs on the day, the only man to post double figures over the weekend.
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Finlands Jouni Lillman nets a good bream from A12 on his way to 8,672kg and a sector 3rd. Jouni, an MA Plus member, was by far his countrys best performer, finishing with 6pts overall for 17th place.
Finlands Jouni Lillman nets a good bream from A12 on his way to 8,672kg and a sector 3rd. Jouni, an MA Plus member, was by far his countrys best performer, finishing with 6pts overall for 17th place.
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South African Johan Marx found himself next to Jouni and shared the good fishing, eventually weighing in 6,592kgs for a 4th in sector.
South African Johan Marx found himself next to Jouni and shared the good fishing, eventually weighing in 6,592kgs for a 4th in sector.
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Italian icon Umberto Ballabeni prepares to net a feisty skimmer on peg A15. That would help him take the sector with 3,287kgs and a welcome 1pt after his disaster on day one when his fishing was disrupted by a cormorant swimming through his peg on a feeding spree! You would not see that at Gold Valley I bet !!!
Italian icon Umberto Ballabeni prepares to net a feisty skimmer on peg A15. That would help him take the sector with 3,287kgs and a welcome 1pt after his disaster on day one when his fishing was disrupted by a cormorant swimming through his peg on a feeding spree! You would not see that at Gold Valley I bet !!!
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Englands Des Shipp nets a roach from peg A16 in what turned out to be a pretty tight sector.
Englands Des Shipp nets a roach from peg A16 in what turned out to be a pretty tight sector.
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The Russian, Youry Siptsov, with a rare bream from his peg A17. He finished 2nd in sector but it was not enough to carry his team onto the podium. Our review of this years section/points system, to come next week, shows quite clearly that Russia faced the stiffest opposition of any competing team, yet they still finished in 4th place.
The Russian, Youry Siptsov, with a rare bream from his peg A17. He finished 2nd in sector but it was not enough to carry his team onto the podium. Our review of this years section/points system, to come next week, shows quite clearly that Russia faced the stiffest opposition of any competing team, yet they still finished in 4th place.
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Hungarian Joszef Varga is one of his countrys brightest stars and showed just why with an outstanding performance over the two days. His overall 4pts secured him a 7th position for the tournament which included a sector win on day one.
Hungarian Joszef Varga is one of his countrys brightest stars and showed just why with an outstanding performance over the two days. His overall 4pts secured him a 7th position for the tournament which included a sector win on day one.
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Polands Krzysztof Bukrak nets a roach from A20. He could only finish 7th in sector with 1,631kg but his team put up a good fight to come 9th overall in the competition.
Polands Krzysztof Bukrak nets a roach from A20. He could only finish 7th in sector with 1,631kg but his team put up a good fight to come 9th overall in the competition.
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SUNDAY: A final collection of slideshows from B, C, D and E sections on the last day of the 2009 World Championships.
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England's Will Raison stands ready to fire out groundbait balls on the tournaments final day.
England's Will Raison stands ready to fire out groundbait balls on the tournaments final day.
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Rene Stronck has been one of Luxembourg's main performer since he won a silver individual medal at Nottingham in the 1994 WC. Unfortunately this year, he could only manage 10pts overall, to finish behind his countryman Tony Del-Degan. Rene did however take a bronze individual in this years European Champs in Slovenia.
Rene Stronck has been one of Luxembourg's main performer since he won a silver individual medal at Nottingham in the 1994 WC. Unfortunately this year, he could only manage 10pts overall, to finish behind his countryman Tony Del-Degan. Rene did however take a bronze individual in this years European Champs in Slovenia.
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Slovenian Aljosa Kupec playing a good fish on C23. Aljosa finished 5th with 1,834kg in a sector that was dominated by Will Raison's massive 8,461kg weight.
Slovenian Aljosa Kupec playing a good fish on C23. Aljosa finished 5th with 1,834kg in a sector that was dominated by Will Raison's massive 8,461kg weight.
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The Channel Island's Andy Gray needed something to bite in order to bear the pain of watching Will Raison, fishing next door, hammering out that amount of fish!
The Channel Island's Andy Gray needed something to bite in order to bear the pain of watching Will Raison, fishing next door, hammering out that amount of fish!
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Czech star Ladislav Konopasek plays a better quality roach C13. Ladislav was his country's best angler, just... beating his brother Josef on weight. Both had 5 points!
Czech star Ladislav Konopasek plays a better quality roach C13. Ladislav was his country's best angler, just... beating his brother Josef on weight. Both had 5 points!
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Germany had a tough tournament, eventually finishing in a lowly 21st position. My good friend Henric Plass, who helps run the Champions Team website, got the chance to fish on day two but could do nothing to improve his, or his teams chances, from a poor draw in C sections sector 3. He did have however the distinction of beating Italy's Stefano Defendi!
Germany had a tough tournament, eventually finishing in a lowly 21st position. My good friend Henric Plass, who helps run the Champions Team website, got the chance to fish on day two but could do nothing to improve his, or his teams chances, from a poor draw in C sections sector 3. He did have however the distinction of beating Italy's Stefano Defendi!
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Stefano Defendi had a miserable tournament, which got even worse on day two. The normally solid Italian performer, only managed a poor 12th in sector C3 to add to his day one 7th in sector E2.
Stefano Defendi had a miserable tournament, which got even worse on day two. The normally solid Italian performer, only managed a poor 12th in sector C3 to add to his day one 7th in sector E2.
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Stefano swings in a small roach, while Germany's Henric Plass looks on.
Stefano swings in a small roach, while Germany's Henric Plass looks on.
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Slovakian Igor Holecek was one of his country's two outstanding anglers, finishing with 4pts overall, just behind fellow team mate Ratislav Dudr on 3pts.
Slovakian Igor Holecek was one of his country's two outstanding anglers, finishing with 4pts overall, just behind fellow team mate Ratislav Dudr on 3pts.
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Frenchman Benoit Pellegrino carried out the team plan of focussing on every fish in the swim, and not being too distracted by looking for bream. Although they did keep checking for slabs, each team member kept the small fish coming. They proved the point by catching more fish than any other nation. Not one of the team won a sector, yet France were beaten for gold by just 1pt, an outstanding team performance!
Frenchman Benoit Pellegrino carried out the team plan of focussing on every fish in the swim, and not being too distracted by looking for bream. Although they did keep checking for slabs, each team member kept the small fish coming. They proved the point by catching more fish than any other nation. Not one of the team won a sector, yet France were beaten for gold by just 1pt, an outstanding team performance!
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Top Hungarian Tibor Ambrus nets a good fish on his way to a 4th in D sections sector 3.
Top Hungarian Tibor Ambrus nets a good fish on his way to a 4th in D sections sector 3.
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Slovakian Ratislav Dudr nets another fish on his way to a 2nd in sector D1. Ratislav crowned a superb tournament by his team by securing an individual 4th, beaten on weight for a bronze which saw four anglers on 3pts!
Slovakian Ratislav Dudr nets another fish on his way to a 2nd in sector D1. Ratislav crowned a superb tournament by his team by securing an individual 4th, beaten on weight for a bronze which saw four anglers on 3pts!
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Italian Andrea Fini catapults pinkies in a poor D section, sector 2. Andrea managed 1,474kgs and was beaten for a sector 3rd by just about the narrowest margin possible... TWO GRAMS!
Italian Andrea Fini catapults pinkies in a poor D section, sector 2. Andrea managed 1,474kgs and was beaten for a sector 3rd by just about the narrowest margin possible... TWO GRAMS!
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England's Alan Scotthorne checks his net to make sure there are no more fish inside. His dream of a SIXTH world title ended when bream failed to show up. The consensus was that the last two sections should have kept going for small fish was fine, in hindsight!
England's Alan Scotthorne checks his net to make sure there are no more fish inside. His dream of a SIXTH world title ended when bream failed to show up. The consensus was that the last two sections should have kept going for small fish was fine, in hindsight!
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Croatian Josip Kutlic lifts into a good fish on B4.
Croatian Josip Kutlic lifts into a good fish on B4.
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Safely netted, Josip goes on to take 3,071kgs for a 4th in sector.
Safely netted, Josip goes on to take 3,071kgs for a 4th in sector.
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Stu holds up the bream which helped him to 2nd in sector with 5,177kg. Wish he had landed those other two!
Stu holds up the bream which helped him to 2nd in sector with 5,177kg. Wish he had landed those other two!
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A big thumbs up from Russian Igor Potapov, as he waits for confirmation of his gold medal position.
A big thumbs up from Russian Igor Potapov, as he waits for confirmation of his gold medal position.
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Hungarian Laszlo Csillag on B5 weighed in 3,420kg to help give his side the second highest points score of day two.
Hungarian Laszlo Csillag on B5 weighed in 3,420kg to help give his side the second highest points score of day two.
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Germany's Gunter Horler could do nothing on day two to improve on his poor day one score and he finished the tournament with 18pts overall.
Germany's Gunter Horler could do nothing on day two to improve on his poor day one score and he finished the tournament with 18pts overall.
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Aussie Mick Barrett brings his net to the scales and the end of his tournament. Mick, like many of the lads from 'Down Under', found the competition stiff, but considering their type of angling back home, they will probably go back wiser and ready to compete again next year with a more familiar fish in Spain!
Aussie Mick Barrett brings his net to the scales and the end of his tournament. Mick, like many of the lads from 'Down Under', found the competition stiff, but considering their type of angling back home, they will probably go back wiser and ready to compete again next year with a more familiar fish in Spain!
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Lithuanian Marius Baranauskas nets a quality roach from B14...
Lithuanian Marius Baranauskas nets a quality roach from B14...
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and eventually weighed in 1,794kgs for a joint 5th in sector.
and eventually weighed in 1,794kgs for a joint 5th in sector.
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Scots lad James Woodrow hauls his net up to the scales for his final days weigh. James finished with 1.794kgs to tie with Lithuanian Marius.
Scots lad James Woodrow hauls his net up to the scales for his final days weigh. James finished with 1.794kgs to tie with Lithuanian Marius.
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One of the Czech Republic's coaches checks on her man Jan Heidenreich. Jan didn't manage any carp this event, but did secure a well earned 2nd in sector behind top Belgian Frans Schoubben.
One of the Czech Republic's coaches checks on her man Jan Heidenreich. Jan didn't manage any carp this event, but did secure a well earned 2nd in sector behind top Belgian Frans Schoubben.
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Jan brings his net out of the water to take to the scales and finish with 2,543kg.
Jan brings his net out of the water to take to the scales and finish with 2,543kg.
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Frenchman Didier Delannoy swings in a small fish on his way to taking a 3rd in sector B2.
Frenchman Didier Delannoy swings in a small fish on his way to taking a 3rd in sector B2.
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Didiers 2,236kg catch of small fish. The French strategy focussed mainly on small fish and worked perfectly for them as they took a silver team medal back home. It was a brave, if not inspired strategy, considering most other teams had included a greater importance on bream in their overall game plans.
Didiers 2,236kg catch of small fish. The French strategy focussed mainly on small fish and worked perfectly for them as they took a silver team medal back home. It was a brave, if not inspired strategy, considering most other teams had included a greater importance on bream in their overall game plans.
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Dutchman Arjan Klop, with his manager JVS in close attendance, as he tried to improve his sector B3 place. Unfortunately Arjan could not and finished the day in 8th place.
Dutchman Arjan Klop, with his manager JVS in close attendance, as he tried to improve his sector B3 place. Unfortunately Arjan could not and finished the day in 8th place.
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Ireland's Vincent 'Vinny' Walsh gets ready for the start of day two. Bet he wished he had kept his running shoes on!
Ireland's Vincent 'Vinny' Walsh gets ready for the start of day two. Bet he wished he had kept his running shoes on!
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Spaniard Raul Gonzalez Caballo, on his way to a 5th in sector B3. Spain finished the tournament in a creditable 12th place on a venue somewhat different to what they are normally use to. They will be hoping to finish much higher next year when they host the event!
Spaniard Raul Gonzalez Caballo, on his way to a 5th in sector B3. Spain finished the tournament in a creditable 12th place on a venue somewhat different to what they are normally use to. They will be hoping to finish much higher next year when they host the event!
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Wiktor Walczak was Polands highest placed angler over the two days scoring a narrow sector win in B section with 6,089kgs, just 102gr in front of the USA's Mark Green.
Wiktor Walczak was Polands highest placed angler over the two days scoring a narrow sector win in B section with 6,089kgs, just 102gr in front of the USA's Mark Green.
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Jacopo Falsini nets one of the canals lively roach on his way to 5,056kgs and a sector 3rd.
Jacopo Falsini nets one of the canals lively roach on his way to 5,056kgs and a sector 3rd.
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Mark Green shipping back in sector B3. Mark, who is an ex-pat from the south of England, now fishes under his adopted country, the USA. He was their best angler, scoring 11pts overall.
Mark Green shipping back in sector B3. Mark, who is an ex-pat from the south of England, now fishes under his adopted country, the USA. He was their best angler, scoring 11pts overall.
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Cormorant problems are well known in western Europe. This one obviously had no fear of humans as it patrolled through section B picking up small fish here and there between the anglers 13m lines. In fact the previous day a cormorant, probably this one, had snatched a fish off the hook of Umberto Ballabeni in D section, as he brought it to the net!
Cormorant problems are well known in western Europe. This one obviously had no fear of humans as it patrolled through section B picking up small fish here and there between the anglers 13m lines. In fact the previous day a cormorant, probably this one, had snatched a fish off the hook of Umberto Ballabeni in D section, as he brought it to the net!
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Bart Helsen plays a good bream while his runner Eric Di Venti keeps an eye on the time.
Bart Helsen plays a good bream while his runner Eric Di Venti keeps an eye on the time.
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The Belgian gets the fish in quickly using the standard foot support method while his runner, Eric...
The Belgian gets the fish in quickly using the standard foot support method while his runner, Eric...
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...goes and picks up a stopwatch so that Bart will know exactly how much time is left, once the final 5 minute hooter sounds. Eric is seen here being given some last minute instructions on how to read the stopwatch!
...goes and picks up a stopwatch so that Bart will know exactly how much time is left, once the final 5 minute hooter sounds. Eric is seen here being given some last minute instructions on how to read the stopwatch!
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Scotland's David Concoran swings in a small roach as he races against the clock, and also his next peg opponent, Irelands Mark Lichtenburg (a good old Gaelic name!), as they duel for sector honours.
Scotland's David Concoran swings in a small roach as he races against the clock, and also his next peg opponent, Irelands Mark Lichtenburg (a good old Gaelic name!), as they duel for sector honours.
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Ireland's Mark Lichtenburg is also busy catching quality fish of peg E36. But who would take the celtic honours and the points?
Ireland's Mark Lichtenburg is also busy catching quality fish of peg E36. But who would take the celtic honours and the points?
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Channel Islander Greig Brown watches as the scales record a weight of 3,093kg and what would eventually become a memorable sector win.
Channel Islander Greig Brown watches as the scales record a weight of 3,093kg and what would eventually become a memorable sector win.
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Italy's Gianluigi Sorti, like his team, finished the tournament poorly. He could only manage 1,251kgs for 5th in sector E1, while his team could not improve on their day one 8th place!
Italy's Gianluigi Sorti, like his team, finished the tournament poorly. He could only manage 1,251kgs for 5th in sector E1, while his team could not improve on their day one 8th place!
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Serbian Goran Radovic looks happy despite his poor 6th in sector E1. Perhaps there will be some barbel in Spain for him!!!
Serbian Goran Radovic looks happy despite his poor 6th in sector E1. Perhaps there will be some barbel in Spain for him!!!
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Steve Gardener puts his fish in the weigh net knowing that had he kept going for bits, he would almost certainly of had more than his lowly 8.5pts. Look away now Steve, you will not want to see the next picture!
Steve Gardener puts his fish in the weigh net knowing that had he kept going for bits, he would almost certainly of had more than his lowly 8.5pts. Look away now Steve, you will not want to see the next picture!
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Not a welcome sight for England's record breaking team gold medallist and one he will undoubtedly improve on, come next year in Spain.
Not a welcome sight for England's record breaking team gold medallist and one he will undoubtedly improve on, come next year in Spain.
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Bart Helsen gives a large smile with his 3,347kgs catch. Unfortunately it was only enough for 7pts in a sector dominated by the end five pegs!
Bart Helsen gives a large smile with his 3,347kgs catch. Unfortunately it was only enough for 7pts in a sector dominated by the end five pegs!
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A great catch from the once Essex Boy, but would it be enough to beat his fellow Celt...
A great catch from the once Essex Boy, but would it be enough to beat his fellow Celt...
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Davy Concoran looks back into his net, to see if he can conjure up another skimmer...
Davy Concoran looks back into his net, to see if he can conjure up another skimmer...
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... for this 4,641kg haul which took the honours away from Mark, who had just over 200 grams less. Unfortunately he was beaten for the ultimate prize of a sector win by an even tighter photo finish, courtesy of...
... for this 4,641kg haul which took the honours away from Mark, who had just over 200 grams less. Unfortunately he was beaten for the ultimate prize of a sector win by an even tighter photo finish, courtesy of...
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a Bulgarian on the end peg, Valentin Kolev. His 4,665kg net was just 24 grams too good for Davy!
a Bulgarian on the end peg, Valentin Kolev. His 4,665kg net was just 24 grams too good for Davy!
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