Main Menu

European Champions Crowned

European Champions Crowned

Saturday, August 18, 2012 - 14:53

Simon Lizotte of Germany is the 2012 European Disc Golf Champion. Lizotte overcame shakiness early on and held off a number of charges by Denmark’s Karl John Nybo during the final round as the two see sawed back and forth. In the end Lizotte played his game and came out on top posting a 61 (-5) for a -33 total and four throw victory over Nybo who carded a 60 (-6) and finished at -29 for the tournament. Lizotte looked nervous early on and gave up two throws to Nybo on the first two holes of the day before getting his game back on track. Nybo put pressure on all day and closed to within 3 throws more than once during the round.

Ragna Bydge of Sweden continued her great play in route to the title of European Women’s champion. Bygde shot a 67 (+1) for a +10 total and eight throw victory over fellow Swedes Angelica Frantz and Camilla Jernberg, who finished in a tie for second at +18.

Stephan Müller and Peter Bygde tied for the lead after regulation at -11 in the Masters division to force a playoff, where Stephan Müller came out on top after a two hole sudden death. Four others tied for third place at -9 including Robert Buzasy, Kari Vesala, Jouni Leskinen, and Martin Fredericksen. The Masters division was close all week giving testament to the parity that exists in that division.

Britain’s, Derek Robins posted a final round 67 (+1) for a -1 total to hold off Finlands, Marko Timonen for the Grandmasters title. Timonen posted a 68 (+2) to finish at +4 for the tournament in second place.

Markku Tohni of Finland posted a final round 77 (+11) to best round Benjamin Schneider of Switzerland by three throws to win the Senior Grandmasters division. Schneider shot a 74 (+8) to make some ground up on Tohni but in the end it was not enough.

Germany’s Sven Rippel posted the low round of the day for the third straight day with an amazing 56 (-10) to finish at -23 for the tournament to win the Junior Boys under 19 division by eight throws over Kaj Larsson of Sweden, who carded a very respectable 60 (-6) to finish at -15 and in second place. 

Sweden won the first ever Nations Cup team standings with Scandinavian neighbor Finland in second place.

Tournament Director, Charlie Mead and his entire event staff of members of the British Disc Golf Association, were brilliant hosts throughout the week and did a fantastic job in hosting the event. An awards dinner and party will take place at 8:00pm GMT tonight at Essex University, where the 197 players from 15 countries will celebrate the winners, say goodbye to their fellow competitors, and begin preparing for the next European Championships in 2014.

Congratulations to all of the 2012 European Disc Golf Champions!