The Hungarian Grand Slam of Judoka. It’s a top-class spectacle with a who’s who of this sport.
The star of the show was Mikhail Igolnikov. In the final he met Altanbagana Gantulga from Mongolia, who was in his first Grand Slam final. An unbelievable Uchi-Mata after just twenty seconds made Igolnikov the man of the day.
Mikhail Igolnikow is happy about the strong field of participants: “All judoka are strong men. Tschri-kisch-wili won the world championship, Toth took the silver medal. All judoka are really good.”
The world champion and Olympic medalist Audrey Tcheuméo from France was in top form again. In the final, she faced her compatriot Fanny Estelle Posvite. After Tcheuméo had previously suffered a defeat against her, she had the upper hand again in the final. France won gold and silver.
Tcheuméo went into this tournament highly motivated. “It’s the first competition in a long time,” said the 30-year-old. “We all want to fight because there were no tournaments for a while. For me it’s a gift and always a pleasure. I’m here, I’m young. Let’s go Tcheumeo, let’s go!”
In the class over 100 kilograms, Russian giants faced each other. Tamerlan Baschajew took on the Ashi Waza expert Inal Tasojew. But Tasoyev also showed that he has mastered the ne waza throws.
Kayra Sayit from Turkey is an expert in Ippon judo. In a close tactical fight against Cheikh Rouhou from Tunisia, she won the gold medal.
Also in the men’s class under 100 kilos, the winner came from Russia. Niyaz Ilyasov competed against his compatriot Arman Adamian. With a spectacular Ne-Waza, Ilyasov turned 23-year-old Adamian onto his back and held him for 20 seconds.
Let’s get to the moment of the day: The reigning world champion Jorge Fonseca put the French Alexandre Iddir with a perfect Sode Tsurikomi Goshi. The Portuguese powerhouse Fonseca, who wanted to defend his title here, was visibly relieved to receive the gold medal.
400 happy judoka in Budapest. Finally they could get back on the mat. This impressive and exciting Japanese martial art is back again, and the next dates of the World Judo Tour are already waiting.
.
