The third and last day of the Judo Grand Slam in Baku: As always with the heavyweights.
Gold for Germany was the name of the game for women up to 78 kilograms: Luise Malzahn from Halle an der Saale prevailed against Inbar Lanir from Israel. For the German it was the fifth world tour tournament victory. She retracted her first in 2013. Rumors that the indoor woman would retire from competitive sports after the Olympics have now been dispelled at the latest.
A fighter from the country of origin of judo led the field for men up to 90 kilograms: For Kosuke Mashiyama, the victory in Baku was also his first victory at an international event of this magnitude.
Lucht and Marzahl: Two neighbors at the top
Renée Lucht, reigning German judo champion in the weight class over 78 kilograms, has proven her class in Baku in comparison with the elite from abroad. The 23-year-old achieved her first major success on the world tour. Even her third place, which she took in Zagreb in September, was worthy of all honor, but gold in Baku is then a touch higher.
“This is something very special,” said Malzahn cheering about the German double gold. “I am very satisfied and happy about the gold medal. In Berlin we are training colleagues and neighbors. We have the same address. It makes me very happy and proud that we showed that we can get gold. “
The weight class of men up to 100 kilograms was the territory of the Russian Niiaz Bilalow this weekend. He won the Baku Grand Slam. The 27-year-old prevailed in the gold fight against the Canadian Shady Elnahas. “I am very happy that I defeated Elnahas and I am happy that I managed to do it with such a clean technique. I did not initiate this attack particularly well and I am satisfied that it worked, ”said Bilalow.
The Japanese heavyweight Tatsuru Saito is preparing to take the judo premier class. Saito is just 19 years old and his successes have been sparse so far. But in Baku, the Japanese underlined his talent vigorously: He won the tournament in the men over 100 kilograms. Temur Rachimov from Tajikistan had to be content with silver.
Ending a fight with an ippon rating is always your best bet. Ushangi Kokauri from the host Azerbaijani Judo Association knows this: he won over 100 kilograms of bronze in the men’s category. What a conclusion to the Baku Grand Slam!
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