It’s only been a week since the World Championships in Tashkent, where fourteen champions were crowned, local heroes won and a fantastic mixed-team competition took place in an electrifying atmosphere, creating unforgettable memories for judo fans in Uzbekistan and around the world.
The World Judo Tour is now back in Abu Dhabi. The champions are fighting for prestigious podium finishes.
Gold for Georgian youngster Giorgi Sardalashvili
Yang Yung Wei met Georgian youngster Giorgi Sardalashvili in the 60-kg final. And a timed sode-tsurikomi-goshi gave Sardalashvili Waza-Ari — and gold for Georgia.
IJF President Marius Vizer awarded the medals.
“Yang is a very high level judoka,” said Sardalashvili. “But before this competition, my coaches and I learned his techniques and I was ready. I did everything my coach recommended and the result was gold.”
An o-uchi-gari masterclass from Gneto
Experienced Astride Gneto from France arrived in Abu Dhabi to reach the top spot and delivered an O-uchi-gari masterclass to her opponents throughout the day.
Uzbek Diyora Keldiyorova faced her in the final, but Gneto was too strong and with another amazing O-uchi-gari for Waza-Ari and Gold.
Mohammed Bin Thaaloob Al Derie, president of the UAE Wrestling and Judo Federation, presented the medals.
“I’m really happy because my first Grand Slam medal was in Abu Dhabi when I was a junior and today was a good day, so I’m happy,” said Gneto.
A fantastic sacrifice
With -48 kg, Julia Figueroa from Spain claimed gold with a fantastic sacrifice and completely surprised her opponent.
Juan Carlos Barcos, International Relations Director of the IJF, presented the medals
A very first Grand Slam gold for Manzi
In the 66kg competition, Italian Elios Manzi scored two almost identical Waza-Aris against Serbian Strahinja Buncic to claim victory and his first Grand Slam gold medal.
IJF Vice President Obaid Al Anzi presented the medals.
Youth triumphs over experience
In the 57kg final, Korea’s 19-year-old Huh Mimi defeated Nora Gjakova from Kosovo—a great deal of excitement on a day when youth triumphed over the experience.
IJF Vice President Mr. Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko awarded the medals.
A fantastic day full of judo and Abu Dhabi will have more in store for us tomorrow.