Magic Ilenia Matonti: she dominates the pre-Olympic in Sofia and gifts Italy pass for Paris in the -49 kg class

A remarkable performance from Ilenia Matonti on the opening day of the European taekwondo Olympic qualifying tournament.

At the venue in Sofia (Bulgaria), the 19-year-old from Salerno wrapped up her performance in the -49 kg division without conceding any rounds, deservedly earning one of the Olympic berths reserved for the top two athletes.

It was an exciting journey for the nineteen-year old (photo FITA), who made her debut by dominating proceedings against the Finnish Ida-Elina Tammila 2-0 (R1 10-0/R2 13-0). Then came another very convincing victory against Germany's Ela Aydin 2-0 (R1 10-0/R2 13-0), granting her a place in the semifinals and a decisive triumph against Sweden's Indra Boden 2-0 (R1 3-1/R2 9-6).

For the Italia Team, which makes its return to a women's Olympic competition after 16 years, this is the third Olympic pass from taekwondo after those secured through the world ranking by Vito Dell'Aquila (-58 kg) and Simone Alessio (-80 kg).