The judging lineup for the 8th "PANGOL" Cup Golden Touch International Championship Invitational Tournament has once again been bolstered by top-tier talent. Ms. Irina Kovalchuk, a Russian national treasure in pet grooming, and Ms. Sarah Odette Genova, an Italian all-around champion, have confirmed their participation as judges for this year's conference.

These two heavyweight judges from Russia and Italy, with their decades of competition experience and judging expertise, will ensure the highest level of scrutiny for this gathering of top groomers from twelve countries.

01 Russia's Pet Grooming Leader: Ms. Irina Kovalchuk

Ms. Irina Kovalchuk is a pivotal figure in the Russian pet grooming industry. As the founder of PITERGROOM, Russia's largest international pet groomer competition, she has not only built a premier platform for competition and exchange within the Russian grooming community but has also elevated this event to one of international renown.

She is also an RKF-FCI International Judge and has served as a judge at major Russian events such as PITERGROOM, COMPANION, and GROOMINGFEST, bringing a wealth of international judging experience.

Furthermore, she is the owner of the internationally renowned Cocker Spaniel kennel "ADMIRAL'S SHOU," whose dogs have won numerous top honors, including World Champion, European Champion, and International Champion titles at dog shows in Russia and abroad. She is also a partner at ShowMaster, a professional grooming company, giving her deep insights into all aspects of the pet grooming industry chain.

Ms. Irina's presence at the "Golden Fingers" competition will not only provide a Russian professional perspective but also significantly promote in-depth exchange and cooperation between groomers and the pet grooming industries of China and Russia.

02 Italian All-Around Champion: Ms. Sarah Odette Genova

Ms. Sarah Odette Genova is a shining star in the European pet grooming arena, her career paved with a dazzling array of medals.

Beginning with the "Best Young Groomer of the Year" award in 2013, Sarah embarked on her championship-winning journey:

• 2017: Won the "Best Groomer" award at Groomania in Belgium, earning a trip to compete at Super Zoo in Las Vegas; also won Best in Show at the Mediterranean Cup.

• 2018: A "year of harvest" – won 3 medals at "Ciseaux D'or" in France, a bronze at Milangroom in Italy, 3 medals at the Master Show, a bronze at Groomania in Belgium, a silver in Greece, 2 silver medals and the title of "Best International Groomer" at the AACE Championship in Spain, and also reached the podium at the US Championship in Las Vegas.

• 2019: Won a gold in the champion class and Best in Show at the Gold Grooming Show in Hungary, added another gold at Groomania, and was named "Best International Groomer" at Jornadas Artero in Spain.

• 2022: Won the silver medal at the Groomania World Championship, earning the title of Vice World Champion.

Sarah is not only a winner in competition but also a dedicated professional in her field. She is an EGA-approved judge for the Pure Breeds, Poodle, and Spaniel categories. Notably, she co-authored the "Simply the Best" professional pet grooming manual with Ms. Paola Acco. This three-volume masterpiece is considered an "encyclopedia" of the grooming industry and has become an essential tool for groomers worldwide looking to enhance their skills.

03 EGA Core Team: President and Vice Presidents to Attend

Mr. Umberto

Ms. Paola Acco

Ms. Kitty Dekeersgieter

Let's revisit the three core leaders of the EGA announced previously – Mr. Umberto, President of the European Grooming Association (EGA), a legend with nearly four decades in the industry who has judged over 400 international competitions; Ms. Paola Acco, Vice President, one of Italy's grooming pioneers and a member of the 2003 World Team Championship-winning team; and Ms. Kitty Dekeersgieter, President-Elect, a World Champion Poodle Groomer, founder of Transgroom, and the creator of Belgium's annual Groomania event.

Together with the two champion-level masters announced in this edition – Ms. Irina Kovalchuk and Ms. Sarah Odette Genova – they form the panel of five authoritative judges for this year's "Golden Touch" competition.

Each of the five judges brings their own expertise and diverse perspectives. They will apply their professional judgment and impartiality to ensure that this competition, featuring the strongest international lineup in its history, reaches new heights of authority and international credibility.

The judging panel for the 8th "Golden Touch" award now brings together five leading experts from Russia, Italy, and across Europe. Their professional judgment and impartiality will guarantee the highest level of authority and credibility for this premier international competition.

Join us in Guangzhou this November to witness the birth of glory!

Date: November 12-15, 2026
Venue: Guangzhou · China Import and Export Fair Complex (Area 9.3 - A051)

For competition inquiries, please contact:
Ms. Kelly Sun (Facebook)

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