Ukraine, Egypt do podium double at powerlifting World Cup

In the juniors there were two new world records.

Ukrainian and Egyptian athletes impressed at the World Para Powerlifting World Cup in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Tuesday (28 February), making it onto two out of three podiums.

European Open bronze medallist Mariana Shevchuk (106kg) headlined Ukraine’s efforts on the second day of competition with the win in the women’s up to 55kg.

Egypt’s Omaima Omar (98kg) was second, the only athlete in her weight category to complete three good lifts.

Martina Barbierato (86kg), fresh from becoming one of the first Italian powerlifters to compete at a Paralympic Games in 2016, was third.

Algeria’s Hocine Bettir was the victor in the men’s up to 65kg with a 178kg lift.

The 26-year-old took control of the bench from the first round, leading throughout the competition with three good lifts.

Poland’s Marek Trykacz (176kg) was second. He just edged Egypt’s Mahmoud Attia (175kg) by 1kg in the third round, creating a close finish.

Mohammad Tarbash (172kg) improved on his second place finish from the 2016 World Cup in Dubai, winning the men’s up to 59kg. The Jordanian has managed to move up the podium every year since his World Cup debut in 2015 where he finished third.

Kyrgyzstan’s European Open bronze medallist Esen Kaliev completed a successful move from the men’s up to 54kg with a second place finish. His 168kg lift was a career best.

Ukraine’s Ruslan Korchynskyi made an unsuccessful third round attempt at 167kg, but rounded off the top three with a best of 160kg.

In the juniors there were two new world records.

Kazakhstan’s Akzhol Zharylgapov left with the junior men’s up to 59kg win and world best of 100kg.

Malaysia’s Bonnie Bunyau Gustin (141kg) improved on the junior men’s up to 65kg world record by 14kg for the win.

Competition continues on Wednesday (1 March) with the men’s up to 72kg and up to 80kg and the combined women’s up to 61kg and up to 67kg.

Live results and full live coverage is available at World Para Powerlifting’s website.

Updates and pictures will be posted to Facebook.com/parapowerlifting, Twitter (@powerlifting) and Instagram (@parapowerlifting).