Second day of the Portuguese Grand Prix took place this Saturday in Almada, near Lisbon, in a packed enclosure.
In -63 kg, Barbara Timo did not disappoint her supporters. The Portuguese went clear before winning the final against Brazilian Gabriella Moraes. Thus winning the first gold medal of the competition for Portugal in an atmosphere of fire.
The director of this Grand Prix, Catarina Rodrigues, presented the medals.
“The audience gives me extra energy, motivation, said Barbara Timo. It’s amazing to feel this support, including from my family and friends. I wish it was like that at every tournament. I am very happy to have obtained a first medal for Portugal.”
In -73 kg, the Uzbek Obidkhon Nomonov beat the Kazakh Zhansay Smagulov in the final, thanks to the quality of his footwork.
The medals were presented by International Judo Federation Education and Training Director Mohammed Meridja.
“My team supported me a lot, explains Obidkhon Nomonov. When I’m tired, my trainer Ilias Iliadis encourages me. And when I hear his voice, it gives me strength to go back to fight, especially when I feel tired.”
In -70 kg, Australian Aoife Coughlan was on fire all day and won the final against Venezuelan Elvismar Rodriguez. This is Australia’s second gold medal in Grand Prix history.
IJF Sports Director Vladimir Barta presented the medals.
In -81 kg, rising South Korean star Joohnwan Lee again caused a sensation by defeating Azerbaijani Eljan Hajiyev in the final, confirming his new status in the category.
The medals were presented by IJF Director of Referees Florin Daniel Lascau.
The public also had the opportunity to witness the return of Anri Egutidze in -81 kg. The Portuguese will be one to watch closely in the next competitions. In the meantime, the third and final day of the Portuguese Grand Prix promises to be exciting.
