The city of Zagreb, Croatia, hosted the last day of its Judo Grand Prix on Sunday, with Europeans in great shape.
In -90kg, the Georgian Beka Gviniashvili won in the final against the Brazilian Rafael Macedo thanks to two Waza-ari, then an Ippon to conclude. The powerful Georgian won his 26th World Tour medal, a remarkable performance.
Vice President of the International Judo Federation and President of the European Judo Union Laszlo Tothpresented the medals.
In -78kg, the British Natalie Powell faced in the final the world number 3, the Israeli Inbar Lanir. Following superb ground work, Powell managed to maintain a chokehold to force her opponent into submission.
Regularly on the podium, the Briton had not won a gold medal for more than two years. This was given to him by Sanda CorakIFJ Education Director.
“Today was very special because my coach, Darren Warner, who I have worked with for the past eight years, was having his last competition with me, Powell said. To finish together on a gold medal is really the icing on the cake.”
In -100kg, the fit man, the world championship medalist and reigning European champion, the Dutchman Michael Korrelbeat world-class opponents on his way to the final, including reigning world champion Nikoloz Sherazadishvili of Spain.
In the final, Korrel met the explosive Georgian Ilia Sulamanidze, a man he had lost to in their last meeting. But lightning-fast footwork enabled the Dutchman to land a decisive Waza-ari and prevail.
His medal was presented to him by Skander will notsports director of the IJF.
“I think knowing your opponent well is one thing, but it’s also important to sense where the danger may come from during the fight, explained Korrel. He surprised me with a big attack in Tel Aviv so I didn’t give him the chance to do it again today, even though he tried. I found the opportunity, a little later than in the semi-finals, but I was able to finish in the right way”.
Among the +78kg, the Israeli Raz Hershko won a tactical victory in the final over Serbian Milica Zabic.
The medals were awarded by Armen BagdasarovDirector of IJF Referees.
In the +100kg, the reigning European champion Jur Spijkers faced Mongol Tsetsentsengel Odkhuu. A quick move from Spijkers earned the Netherlands a second gold medal on the final day of judo in Zagreb.
Yasuhiro Yamashitamember of the IJF Comex and member of the IOC presented the medals.
Croatian heavyweight judo also stood out this Sunday, with some nice Ippons from local talent. A great way to conclude this Zagreb Grand Prix.
