When the sun came up on the third day of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, the judo heavyweights were ready for action. Masters of masters, world medalists and Olympic champions were among today’s expert judokas.
Georgia world number 4 Beka Gviniashvili had a great day in the -90kg category, demonstrating excellent judo on the way to the final. There he met French newcomer Loris Tassier, who fought for the first time in a Grand Slam final.
Gviniashvili took advantage of his opponent’s mistake to throw a Waza-ari straight into a hold to earn his 27th World Judo Tour medal. A great moment of friendship follows with the young Frenchman who has displayed the true values of judo. .
Presenting the medals was the President of the Wrestling and Judo Federation of the United Arab Emirates, His Excellency Mohammed Bin Thaaloob Al Derie.
In -78 kg, Ma Zhenzhao made a big statement for China on the World Judo Tour. During the day, Ma went on to beat the best in the world in the -78 kg category. In the final, she defeated the 2017 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam winner Natalie Powell of Great Britain with a beautiful Tani-Otoshi to celebrate her first Grand Slam title.
The 78 kg medals were presented by the IJF General Treasurer, Mr. Naser Al Tamimi.
At -100kg, world silver medalist Kyle Reyes faced expert Nikoloz Sherazadishvili. After a tough fight, Reyes took the victory and won his first gold on the World Judo Tour. IJF Chief Referee Director, Mr. Florin Daniel Lascau, was present to present the medals.
China took another big win in the women’s category +78 kg. In the final, Su Xin scored a waza-ari and beat Georgian Sophio Somkhishvili with another waza-ari to celebrate gold. The medals were awarded by IJF EC member, Dr. Presented to Lisa Allan.
In the men’s heavyweight division, Olympic champion Lukas Krpalek of the Czech Republic fought against European champion Jur Spijkers. After a quick transition to Ne-Waza, Krpalek kept his opponent at bay and won his third Grand Slam gold. The President of the Tajik Judo Federation, Mr. Nurullo Loiqov, presented the medals.
UAE judoka Kostoev gave the home fans something to cheer about with an amazing judo moment!
An inspiration for young judokas in the United Arab Emirates
What a great event it was and Abu Dhabi will welcome Judo next year!
