Toma Nikiforov’s Thrilling Matches at Judo Grand Slam in Antalya

In -100 kg, Toma Nikiforov was exempt from the first round and faced, in the second, Uzbek Sarsenbaev (22 years old/n°82). The face-to-face was interesting, the two judokas being inclined towards the offensive.

After a serious alert, Toma thought he could take the advantage with a good move, but the waza-ari that the central referee had awarded him was first awarded to his opponent (!), then canceled by the video crew. It was only a postponement for the Brussels resident who scored straight away and confirmed it after a little over three minutes.

Toma Nikiforov then found the Canadian Elnahas (26 years old/n°6) who is competing for the Olympic ticket with his compatriot Reyes (30 years old/n°7). Elnahas is an “old” rival for the Brussels resident who beat him in… Aimed before fighting him in 2020 (defeat) and 2022 (victory).

Recent silver medalist in Tbilisi, Elnahas took the initiative in this fight and ended up scoring with around thirty seconds remaining. But Toma reacts in the most beautiful way, turning his rival onto his back! A waza-ari everywhere, overtime… Unfortunately, this was fatal to Toma Nikiforov, knocked down after 50 seconds.

In -90 kg, Sami Chouchi was “invited” to a tour of South America with the Argentinian Coto (23 years old/n°61), the Paraguayan Gini (23 years old/n°267) and the Brazilian Macedo (29 years/n°10). After two victories, Sami fell to the Brazilian, reigning Pan-American champion and still fifth in Paris, in an arm lock.

Sami Chouchi lost to Brazilian Macedo. ©AFP or licensors

Also entered in this category, Karel Foubert did not survive the first round against the Spaniard, of Georgian origin, Mosakhlishvili (26 years old/n°17), silver medalist last year, at Abu Dhabi, and recently, in Austria.

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2024-03-31 12:15:31
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