As the sun rose this Sunday in the United Arab Emirates, the judokas were already present in the arena for the third and final day of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam.
In the -90kg category, the Georgian Beka Gviniashvili dominated all his opponents thanks to a remarkable judo that he practiced throughout the day.
In the final, he faced Frenchman Loris Tassier, who was competing in a Grand Slam final for the first time. The Georgian took advantage of an error by Loris Tassier and won the final.
The French judoka was inevitably disappointed, but it remains a very nice silver medal.
UAE Judo Federation President Mohammed Bin Thaaloob Al Derie presented the medals.
“I am very happy to win another gold medal in Grand Slam and I am also very satisfied with my performance in general. I was very well prepared for this competition. Overall I am proud to have won so many medals on the World Judo Tour, but I hope that in the future I will win Olympic and World medals”, explained Beka Gviniashvili.
In -100kg, after a tough fight, world silver medalist Kyle Reyes won the gold medal. IJF Director of Referees Florin Daniel Lascau presented the medals to the winners.
Two gold medals for China
In the -78kg category, the Chinese Zhenzhao Ma made a huge demonstration of judo in Abu Dhabi. Throughout the day, the judoka chained victories against the best in the world in her category.
In the final, thanks to a magnificent tani-otoshi, Zhenzhao Ma defeated the winner of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2017, the Briton Natalie Powell.
The medals were presented by IJF General Treasurer Naser Al Tamimi.
“After the 2022 Worlds, I felt a bit tired, but when I arrived here, my team and my coach helped me a lot. Despite the fatigue, I felt confident on the tatami and I wanted to win the medal. Golden”, said the Chinese judoka.
At +78kg, China won another gold medal today with Xin Su beating Georgian Sophio Somkhishvili in the final.
The medals were presented by IJF Executive Committee member Lisa Allan.
Lukas Krpalek still at the top
In the +100kg category, Olympic champion Lukas Krpalek defeated European champion Jur Spijkers. The Czech thus won his third Grand Slam gold medal.
The President of the Judo Federation of Tajikistan, Nurullo Loiqov presented the medals.
Dzhafar Kostoev offered the spectators a moment of judo with this superb technical gesture! Judoka is a source of inspiration for many young judokas in the United Arab Emirates.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam ended on a high note this Sunday. The United Arab Emirates will host judo again next year!
