The first Para Judo Grand Prix in Germany proves itself to be a high-class event with exciting competitions on day one.
“The plan was actually to beat the Romanian Bologa in Paris. The fact that Lennart has already achieved this here in Heidelberg in front of home fans is of course crazy,” said national coach Carmen Bruckmann after the 24-year-old’s victory. Particularly noteworthy: Sass (J1 -73kg) has only been training with the Para Judo national team for 1.5 years. In addition to the success itself, the points for Paralympics qualification also play an important role. With this win, Sass is well on his way to being among the top eight Para Judoka in the world and thus securing a qualification slot.
The spectators in the SNP dome saw a confident preliminary round from Sass with three wins from three fights. In the final preliminary fight, the third in the world rankings met the second in the world, Yergali Shamay from Kazakhstan. In a thrilling duel, it was ultimately Sass who secured his place in the final with an Ippon. The world number one from Romania, Florin Alexandru Bologa, was waiting in the final. Sass has never managed to hold his own against this strong opponent before, but in the home contest he first scored a waza-ari and finally ended the fight with a stranglehold.
In addition to Lennart Sass, Tabea Müller (J1 -48kg) also reached the final round. After a win and a loss in the preliminary competitions, she qualified for the fight for third place. There she met the Japanese Shizuka Hangai, but lost to her after an ippon.
For the two experienced Para Judoka Nikolai Kornhaß (J2 -73kg) and Ramona Brussig (J2 -57kg) this Grand Prix ended in the preliminary round. Although both were ailing, they didn’t let this special competition be taken away from them and, despite being eliminated in the preliminary round, they performed well and knew how to hold their own against strong opponents.
The two young talents Isabell Thal (J2 -48kg) and Béla Heinze (J2 -73kg) also did not reach the finals after each losing in the preliminary fight. But Bruckmann was confident here too: “Isabell and Béla as well as Tabea are still very young, with them we are looking more towards Paris. Everyone still has great potential for development.”
Day two of the Para Judo Grand Prix brings more exciting fights in the SNP dome in Heidelberg. Daniel Goral, Vanessa Wagner and Lina Strötzel will be competing for Germany. Entry to the competition hall is free.
2024-02-17 19:48:03
#German #Judo #Association #Victory #Lennart #Sass
