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Welcome to the 2010 World Championship Gallery Page 1
Here you will see photos from both the last two practice days. We start with the opening presentation ceremony in Merida's town auditorium and follow with some pictorial shots of various nations: Many of our photo galleries and stories contain images from our Web Partners, Champions-team from Germany, who we worked closely with over the tournament period.
Further slideshows from the two days of competition and the presentation ceremony, can now be viewed on Gallery Page 2.
OPENING CEREMONY
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TACKLE and BAIT
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Some of the basic river-shaped floats used on the Guadiana...
Some of the basic river-shaped floats used on the Guadiana...
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because there was little or no flow at all and just average depths of 2 metres...
because there was little or no flow at all and just average depths of 2 metres...
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so floats up to 2 grams could be used effectively...
so floats up to 2 grams could be used effectively...
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even floats as little as 1.5 grams could still be used, even for the carp.
even floats as little as 1.5 grams could still be used, even for the carp.
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Connectors varied from the simple home-made dacron variety...
Connectors varied from the simple home-made dacron variety...
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to the more widely available and produced plastic connectors. These were attached to varies soft hollow elastics such as Vespe, Diawa, Drennan and Preston.
to the more widely available and produced plastic connectors. These were attached to varies soft hollow elastics such as Vespe, Diawa, Drennan and Preston.
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There's not much left at the end of the days competition, but maggots and worms proved the basis for many of the heavier carp weights, when used with groundbait and a sprinkling of corn.
There's not much left at the end of the days competition, but maggots and worms proved the basis for many of the heavier carp weights, when used with groundbait and a sprinkling of corn.
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Stickymag seemed to be the main choice for topping up for carp. Small gravel was added to get the bait down straight and quickly.
Stickymag seemed to be the main choice for topping up for carp. Small gravel was added to get the bait down straight and quickly.
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The blistering heat could kill your bait during the competition, so it was a wise angler who kept it covered. A Sensas drop-down hood attachment was an ideal and easy option for many of the French squad.
The blistering heat could kill your bait during the competition, so it was a wise angler who kept it covered. A Sensas drop-down hood attachment was an ideal and easy option for many of the French squad.
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It was not just the heat which affected the bait, angler could also suffer under hot Spanish conditions, so the full and larger brollies were used by some... not all, as you can see from the two anglers in the background!
It was not just the heat which affected the bait, angler could also suffer under hot Spanish conditions, so the full and larger brollies were used by some... not all, as you can see from the two anglers in the background!
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But of course, many anglers do not like sitting under large brollies when fishing, so the smaller specialised bait brollies are an ideal alternative.
But of course, many anglers do not like sitting under large brollies when fishing, so the smaller specialised bait brollies are an ideal alternative.
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Not something everyone will carry, but when you cannot afford heavy duty and expensive rechargeable drills, then a portable generator will allow you to use your normal electric drills... if you just happen to have a spare one at the back of your garage of course!
Not something everyone will carry, but when you cannot afford heavy duty and expensive rechargeable drills, then a portable generator will allow you to use your normal electric drills... if you just happen to have a spare one at the back of your garage of course!
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The use of different groundbaits on these and other championships, means that an ample supply of buckets is required to mix them in... the Dutch and Belgians have their Geers...
The use of different groundbaits on these and other championships, means that an ample supply of buckets is required to mix them in... the Dutch and Belgians have their Geers...
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The French have their Rameau and Sensas...
The French have their Rameau and Sensas...
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but the Germans seem to have a little of everything! I wonder if Stefan Posselt is really going to use all of these?
but the Germans seem to have a little of everything! I wonder if Stefan Posselt is really going to use all of these?
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And then we have the famous Italian Azzuri models, as we see here with Gabba Ferrucio's display. You can almost hear him thinking, as he looks down at them... "but do I have enougha to spreada outa behind me?"
And then we have the famous Italian Azzuri models, as we see here with Gabba Ferrucio's display. You can almost hear him thinking, as he looks down at them... "but do I have enougha to spreada outa behind me?"
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He is no doubt looking to his management team saying, "I cannot fisha like dis, I do nota have enougha blue buckets to fish properly, givea me some of Jacopo's, he hasa too many!!!"
He is no doubt looking to his management team saying, "I cannot fisha like dis, I do nota have enougha blue buckets to fish properly, givea me some of Jacopo's, he hasa too many!!!"
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THURSDAY - Belgium
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Belgium's Bart Helsen reaches for one of the river's fighting carp-hybrids during Thursdays practice in A section.
Belgium's Bart Helsen reaches for one of the river's fighting carp-hybrids during Thursdays practice in A section.
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Bart later has another good fish on as well as an audience...
Bart later has another good fish on as well as an audience...
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which turns out to be a not so large hybrid! It just shows how powerful these Guadiana carp-hybrids are for their size.
which turns out to be a not so large hybrid! It just shows how powerful these Guadiana carp-hybrids are for their size.
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Thurday's practice was where A section would be and the river here is very wide here. In the background you can clearly see some of the abandoned and submerged buildings.
Thurday's practice was where A section would be and the river here is very wide here. In the background you can clearly see some of the abandoned and submerged buildings.
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Belgian 'Ace' Frans Schoubben nets a good hybrid during practice...
Belgian 'Ace' Frans Schoubben nets a good hybrid during practice...
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and is clearly happy with it, even though it's not a fish he is accustomed to!
and is clearly happy with it, even though it's not a fish he is accustomed to!
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Geert Jacobs hits a fish which shoots off... clearly a hybrid!
Geert Jacobs hits a fish which shoots off... clearly a hybrid!
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He eases it in ready for netting.
He eases it in ready for netting.
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A good fish of around 1.5kgs. This seemed the most common size caught throughout the week.
A good fish of around 1.5kgs. This seemed the most common size caught throughout the week.
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Perhaps one of Belgiums finest bream anglers... Guido Nullens hangs on to one of the Guadiana's powerful fish. But is it a hybrid or something else?
Perhaps one of Belgiums finest bream anglers... Guido Nullens hangs on to one of the Guadiana's powerful fish. But is it a hybrid or something else?
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It's a small yet power-packed barbel. Not something that Guido's use to...
It's a small yet power-packed barbel. Not something that Guido's use to...
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but he loves it just as much as his bream back home!!!
but he loves it just as much as his bream back home!!!
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Another fish that Guido has little contact with, except in these internationals... a carassio
Another fish that Guido has little contact with, except in these internationals... a carassio
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Hans Slegers nets a good hybrid...
Hans Slegers nets a good hybrid...
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which joins several others in the keepnet. The Belgian's did remarkably well during Thursday's practice, with everyone catching barbel, hybrids and carp, as well as the more abundant 'cats' and bleak.
which joins several others in the keepnet. The Belgian's did remarkably well during Thursday's practice, with everyone catching barbel, hybrids and carp, as well as the more abundant 'cats' and bleak.
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One of the better hybrids of around 2kgs+, fell to Eric de Venti. It remains a mystery, still to be understood, as to how such a team of quality anglers, can fair so well in practice, yet finish so badly during the actual tournament.
One of the better hybrids of around 2kgs+, fell to Eric de Venti. It remains a mystery, still to be understood, as to how such a team of quality anglers, can fair so well in practice, yet finish so badly during the actual tournament.
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THURSDAY - England
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Team Drennan England get ready for Thursday's practice session.
Team Drennan England get ready for Thursday's practice session.
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Top-up feed consisted of three components. First, Will Raison prepares to cup in a ball of groundbait with corn, maggots, chopped worm and some joker on the 12/13m line
Top-up feed consisted of three components. First, Will Raison prepares to cup in a ball of groundbait with corn, maggots, chopped worm and some joker on the 12/13m line
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Alan Scotthorne trys feeding stickymag. Both top-up feeds where effective at drawing carp-hybrids and carassio onto their 13m lines, even though this feed was cupped in at 12 metres!
Alan Scotthorne trys feeding stickymag. Both top-up feeds where effective at drawing carp-hybrids and carassio onto their 13m lines, even though this feed was cupped in at 12 metres!
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The third top-up was when fishing for bleak, where a mixture of Sensas Surface and red Tracix was used to create a red cloud. Unfortunately it made a dirty mess of the pole, as can be seen here with William's rather expensive Diawa Airity!
The third top-up was when fishing for bleak, where a mixture of Sensas Surface and red Tracix was used to create a red cloud. Unfortunately it made a dirty mess of the pole, as can be seen here with William's rather expensive Diawa Airity!
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Every England team member took a good catch, during Thursday, of hybrids, carp, carassio, catfish and bleak.... Des Shipp
Every England team member took a good catch, during Thursday, of hybrids, carp, carassio, catfish and bleak.... Des Shipp
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Alan Scotthorne...
Alan Scotthorne...
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Steve Gardener...
Steve Gardener...
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Stu Conroy...
Stu Conroy...
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and Will Raison, who had concentrated solely on bleak.
and Will Raison, who had concentrated solely on bleak.
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As is becoming normal now, after each practice session, the team gather round each angler at the end, to discuss exactly how their day had gone and what they may have learnt. Each member then asks questions relating to that individual and a form of understanding and pattern begins to emerge, as to the way the team plan will be arrived at.
As is becoming normal now, after each practice session, the team gather round each angler at the end, to discuss exactly how their day had gone and what they may have learnt. Each member then asks questions relating to that individual and a form of understanding and pattern begins to emerge, as to the way the team plan will be arrived at.
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One of England's strength is it's ability, to 'field' some high-quality bank runners at times. Here, William and Stu Conroy are joined by Joe Carass (left) and Lee Kerry (middle) who made a last-minute decision to come to Merida and help out. They are some of England's 'up-n-coming' anglers who hopefully, may (if they are very lucky and work very very hard) find themselves within striking distance of every match anglers dream... a place in their country's international team!
One of England's strength is it's ability, to 'field' some high-quality bank runners at times. Here, William and Stu Conroy are joined by Joe Carass (left) and Lee Kerry (middle) who made a last-minute decision to come to Merida and help out. They are some of England's 'up-n-coming' anglers who hopefully, may (if they are very lucky and work very very hard) find themselves within striking distance of every match anglers dream... a place in their country's international team!
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There is always something new to see at these international Championships. Stu Conroy looks slightly confused as he inspects one of Steve Gardener's test products from his main sponsor Milo. Always innovative with their products, Milo and Steve work closely to develop new and exciting products for the well-informed match angler.
There is always something new to see at these international Championships. Stu Conroy looks slightly confused as he inspects one of Steve Gardener's test products from his main sponsor Milo. Always innovative with their products, Milo and Steve work closely to develop new and exciting products for the well-informed match angler.
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THURSDAY - Germany
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German's biggest angler (in reputation of course) Marco Beck picking out a good fish from the landing net!
German's biggest angler (in reputation of course) Marco Beck picking out a good fish from the landing net!
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One of Germany's new boys, Frank Weise, netting a good carassio during Thursday's practice session.
One of Germany's new boys, Frank Weise, netting a good carassio during Thursday's practice session.
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Frank also added one of the rivers smaller barbel. Unfortunately for Frank, he only got chance to fish on the first day. No doubt he will get more opportunities in the team as time goes on.
Frank also added one of the rivers smaller barbel. Unfortunately for Frank, he only got chance to fish on the first day. No doubt he will get more opportunities in the team as time goes on.
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Germany's team coach, Peter Koenig, grabs some shade under Ralf Herdlitschke's umbrella during the heat of the day.
Germany's team coach, Peter Koenig, grabs some shade under Ralf Herdlitschke's umbrella during the heat of the day.
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Ralf, despite having the distraction of coach Koenig next to him, managed to net this average sized hybrid!
Ralf, despite having the distraction of coach Koenig next to him, managed to net this average sized hybrid!
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Rene Bredereck holds up one of the 'plump' catfish which infest the river. These catfish, or 'pussies' as I like to refer to them as, where being caught quite regular by another of the team... Ralf, to whom I promptly gave the title 'Mr Pussie', which raised great amusement from the rest of the team... I really don't know why!!!!!!!!
Rene Bredereck holds up one of the 'plump' catfish which infest the river. These catfish, or 'pussies' as I like to refer to them as, where being caught quite regular by another of the team... Ralf, to whom I promptly gave the title 'Mr Pussie', which raised great amusement from the rest of the team... I really don't know why!!!!!!!!
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Rene also added other fish, like this large carassio on worm...
Rene also added other fish, like this large carassio on worm...
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and he then took this dark coloured barbel to finish with a near double-kilo weight.
and he then took this dark coloured barbel to finish with a near double-kilo weight.
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Caught in the Act... The German DAV Federations' Chairman of Competitions, Stefan Quinger, decides to have a fish with one of the his teams kit... I wonder if he is using their fishing licence as well?
Caught in the Act... The German DAV Federations' Chairman of Competitions, Stefan Quinger, decides to have a fish with one of the his teams kit... I wonder if he is using their fishing licence as well?
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THURSDAY - Italy
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The 'Azzuri' in D section during Thursday's practice session.
The 'Azzuri' in D section during Thursday's practice session.
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Their 'star' player Jacopo Falsini holds up a good fish (looks like it's a barbel) to his team mates.
Their 'star' player Jacopo Falsini holds up a good fish (looks like it's a barbel) to his team mates.
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Something Jacopo and his fellow team members excel at is slider-fishing. Here Jacopo brings in one of many fish he took on the method...
Something Jacopo and his fellow team members excel at is slider-fishing. Here Jacopo brings in one of many fish he took on the method...
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a small carassio. It seemed that all the slider produced in general were smaller carassio like this and catfish, although there were the odd decent sized hybrids taken throughout the week.
a small carassio. It seemed that all the slider produced in general were smaller carassio like this and catfish, although there were the odd decent sized hybrids taken throughout the week.
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Jacopo's final days practice 'haul' of carassio, barbel, catfish and hybrids. Normally leading Italy's charge for medal, he found the draw not very kind to him and he ended up being his teams third best points scorer.
Jacopo's final days practice 'haul' of carassio, barbel, catfish and hybrids. Normally leading Italy's charge for medal, he found the draw not very kind to him and he ended up being his teams third best points scorer.
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Andrea Fini with a large carp to go alongside his carassio.
Andrea Fini with a large carp to go alongside his carassio.
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Umberto Ballabeni holding a good size barbel from Thursday's practice.
Umberto Ballabeni holding a good size barbel from Thursday's practice.
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Gabba Ferruccio's catchshot. He would be his teams best scorer over the weekend with a total of 6 points.
Gabba Ferruccio's catchshot. He would be his teams best scorer over the weekend with a total of 6 points.
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Stefano Defendi with a good catch of carp and hybrids. He, like Gabba, would have a good tournament and recorded a total of 8 points for his team, which placed him in 20th individual spot overall.
Stefano Defendi with a good catch of carp and hybrids. He, like Gabba, would have a good tournament and recorded a total of 8 points for his team, which placed him in 20th individual spot overall.
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Like England, the Italians always gather round and discuss in detail how the practice went. Remarkably, all their five anglers would finish within the top 31 individuals for the Championships, as they all fished on both days, unlike England's team who substituted Will Raison for Stu Conroy on the final day.
Like England, the Italians always gather round and discuss in detail how the practice went. Remarkably, all their five anglers would finish within the top 31 individuals for the Championships, as they all fished on both days, unlike England's team who substituted Will Raison for Stu Conroy on the final day.
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THURSDAY - Various
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Irishman Cathal Hughes gets some valuable practice netting fish, which he will find most useful come the weekend!
Irishman Cathal Hughes gets some valuable practice netting fish, which he will find most useful come the weekend!
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We assume the French management team are preparing some stickymag for use with their small fish approach... maybe?
We assume the French management team are preparing some stickymag for use with their small fish approach... maybe?
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Channel Islander Garry Crisp reaches for a fish during Thursday practice.
Channel Islander Garry Crisp reaches for a fish during Thursday practice.
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And it was worth the effort, as it was a decent hybrid. Garry would have a good tournament with a section 2nd on day one. Unfortunately his day two dropped him to a 9th place, but he still finished best in the team with 11pts for the weekend.
And it was worth the effort, as it was a decent hybrid. Garry would have a good tournament with a section 2nd on day one. Unfortunately his day two dropped him to a 9th place, but he still finished best in the team with 11pts for the weekend.
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One of the Hungarian team nets a good fish on Thursday. The team looked to be having as bad a tournament as the French, Spanish and Portuguese after the first day's competition, but they recovered well to take a final championship 7th place, which no doubt was well below their original expectations!
One of the Hungarian team nets a good fish on Thursday. The team looked to be having as bad a tournament as the French, Spanish and Portuguese after the first day's competition, but they recovered well to take a final championship 7th place, which no doubt was well below their original expectations!
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Portugal's Joao Pechincha nets a fine fish during their teams Thursday practice session somewhere in D section.
Portugal's Joao Pechincha nets a fine fish during their teams Thursday practice session somewhere in D section.
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It looks as though Joao's fish is a carp-hybrid of around 2kgs. Joao would easily become his country's best angler of the Championships and could well be prominent in this year's European's, which are on his home water of Coruche.
It looks as though Joao's fish is a carp-hybrid of around 2kgs. Joao would easily become his country's best angler of the Championships and could well be prominent in this year's European's, which are on his home water of Coruche.
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The Russian 2009 World Champion, Igor Potapov, with a nice hybrid during practice. Igor would get what we term in the UK as a 'hammering' on day one from Sean Ashby, as he finished in 14th place. However, Igor would show his class on the following day with a win in E section and become his teams highest points scorer of the Championships'.
The Russian 2009 World Champion, Igor Potapov, with a nice hybrid during practice. Igor would get what we term in the UK as a 'hammering' on day one from Sean Ashby, as he finished in 14th place. However, Igor would show his class on the following day with a win in E section and become his teams highest points scorer of the Championships'.
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South Africa's Jaco Goodwin with a smile on his face after Thursday's practice catching bleak. That would soon disappear come the weekend, as his team slumped to a surprising 'rock-bottom' in the table, on day one. Day two would see them make improvements, but so did other teams around them. Even so, they managed to haul themselves up a place, relegating the unfortunate Montenegro to last position. They will return home deeply disappointed.
South Africa's Jaco Goodwin with a smile on his face after Thursday's practice catching bleak. That would soon disappear come the weekend, as his team slumped to a surprising 'rock-bottom' in the table, on day one. Day two would see them make improvements, but so did other teams around them. Even so, they managed to haul themselves up a place, relegating the unfortunate Montenegro to last position. They will return home deeply disappointed.
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Last years Bronze medallist Simon Jensen of Denmark netting a fish of around 1.5kgs...
Last years Bronze medallist Simon Jensen of Denmark netting a fish of around 1.5kgs...
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which happened to be a barbel. Even though his team eventually had a poor tournament, Simon still managed to finish top points scorer within it.
which happened to be a barbel. Even though his team eventually had a poor tournament, Simon still managed to finish top points scorer within it.
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Some of the perculiarities of the venue... shoals of tiny catfish which hugged the bankside, in and around the rocks.
Some of the perculiarities of the venue... shoals of tiny catfish which hugged the bankside, in and around the rocks.
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Another strange fish was the Pumkinseed, or Sunfish. Rarely getting bigger than this, they seem to frequent the warmer waters of the southern-european continent. There is one place in England that I know they flourish and it's in Kent, at a place called Tanyard Fisheries. Well worth trying to catch one for your 'Personal Best'!!!
Another strange fish was the Pumkinseed, or Sunfish. Rarely getting bigger than this, they seem to frequent the warmer waters of the southern-european continent. There is one place in England that I know they flourish and it's in Kent, at a place called Tanyard Fisheries. Well worth trying to catch one for your 'Personal Best'!!!
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FRIDAY - England
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Team Drennan England's main 13m attack feed!
Team Drennan England's main 13m attack feed!
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England start their final days' practice full of confidence after a successful week sorting out the Guadiana.
England start their final days' practice full of confidence after a successful week sorting out the Guadiana.
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Des Shipp has been given the job of bleaking for part of the session.
Des Shipp has been given the job of bleaking for part of the session.
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Sean Ashby has had a good week with plenty of solid weights with fish like this decent size hybrid.
Sean Ashby has had a good week with plenty of solid weights with fish like this decent size hybrid.
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Like Des, Stu Conroy was also given the task of checking out the bleak situation.
Like Des, Stu Conroy was also given the task of checking out the bleak situation.
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A later switch to the long pole saw Stu hook this 'lump', which wouldn't stop...
A later switch to the long pole saw Stu hook this 'lump', which wouldn't stop...
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and as you can see from Stu's catchshot of the day, he didn't land it!
and as you can see from Stu's catchshot of the day, he didn't land it!
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Des with his bleak-bashing results, and the obligatory dirty shirt!
Des with his bleak-bashing results, and the obligatory dirty shirt!
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Alan Scotthorne also had some bleak-bashing souvenirs to show, as well as some carassio from the slider line.
Alan Scotthorne also had some bleak-bashing souvenirs to show, as well as some carassio from the slider line.
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Sean Ashby's mainly carassio and hybrid catch.
Sean Ashby's mainly carassio and hybrid catch.
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The always dependable Steve Gardener, with a good mixture from the days session.
The always dependable Steve Gardener, with a good mixture from the days session.
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FRIDAY - Welsh
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FRIDAY - Italians
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Could this be the real 'Mafiosa' of Italian fishing?
Could this be the real 'Mafiosa' of Italian fishing?
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Umberto Ballabeni about to net one of the rivers...
Umberto Ballabeni about to net one of the rivers...
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many carassio. This one's about 1.5kgs in weight, standard for the river.
many carassio. This one's about 1.5kgs in weight, standard for the river.
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Umberto also managed to land one of it's larger cousins, like this near-2kg carp. You can just see its barbels hanging down!
Umberto also managed to land one of it's larger cousins, like this near-2kg carp. You can just see its barbels hanging down!
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Jacopo Falsini throws a small ball of surface feed for the bleak. Note that the Italian's seemed to favour a more lighter feed colour, than England's red Tracix mix.
Jacopo Falsini throws a small ball of surface feed for the bleak. Note that the Italian's seemed to favour a more lighter feed colour, than England's red Tracix mix.
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The smaller sized carassio and hybrids, like Jacopo caught, were the fish to get as they could be landed quicker than the larger variety.
The smaller sized carassio and hybrids, like Jacopo caught, were the fish to get as they could be landed quicker than the larger variety.
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Stefano Defendi with another of the rivers' beautiful stock fish.
Stefano Defendi with another of the rivers' beautiful stock fish.
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FRIDAY - Various
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One of the San Marino team about to net a slider fish...
One of the San Marino team about to net a slider fish...
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which doesn't seem too happy about being dragged from its home!
which doesn't seem too happy about being dragged from its home!
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It's looks a reasonable fish...
It's looks a reasonable fish...
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a hybrid of about a kilo and a half.
a hybrid of about a kilo and a half.
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This is Denmark's Flemming Eriksen first year in the WC's and he's quickly getting the hang of these Guadiana fish...
This is Denmark's Flemming Eriksen first year in the WC's and he's quickly getting the hang of these Guadiana fish...
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including this small, beautifully golden and sleek barbel. Not sure that Flemming has any of these back home though!
including this small, beautifully golden and sleek barbel. Not sure that Flemming has any of these back home though!
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The future's very bright, the future's VERY orange!
The future's very bright, the future's VERY orange!
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Belgium's triple management team looked hopeful of some glory on the Guadiana.
Belgium's triple management team looked hopeful of some glory on the Guadiana.
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Germany's Marco Beck gets in some practice for his superb section win on the following day. Behind him Heiko Schmidt has another fish on!
Germany's Marco Beck gets in some practice for his superb section win on the following day. Behind him Heiko Schmidt has another fish on!
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The 2009 World Champion, Igor Propov from Russia, swings in a 'cat' from where D section will be. Igor would have a miserable time, next to Sean Ashby, the following day, but would bounce back with a superb section win on Sunday.
The 2009 World Champion, Igor Propov from Russia, swings in a 'cat' from where D section will be. Igor would have a miserable time, next to Sean Ashby, the following day, but would bounce back with a superb section win on Sunday.
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One of the Serbian team stretches out as he tries to land a lively fish in D section.
One of the Serbian team stretches out as he tries to land a lively fish in D section.
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