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Judo Grand Slam in Abu Dhabi: Gneto successful with inside sickle

Judo interest will focus on the Grand Slam in Abu Dhabi this weekend, just one week after the World Championships in Tashkent.

The World Championships in Tashkent had had great things to offer in terms of sport, but also in terms of enthusiasm.

In Abu Dhabi, 414 judoka from 65 countries are taking part.

In the men’s up to 60 kilograms, World Championships bronze medallist Yang Yung Wei entered the final, but there he lost to Giorgi Sardalashvili from Georgia at the Grand Slam.

At the age of 19, it was Sardalashvili’s first win at a World Tour event. The Georgian was the 2021 World Junior Champion.

He received the gold medal from the hands of Marius Vizer, president of the World Judo Federation.

“Yang is a class judoka, but I looked at his techniques and was ready for the final. I did everything my coach advised me to do. Now you can see the result: I have the gold medal,” said Sardalashvili.

Gneto throws Keldiyorova to the mat

Astride Gneto of France claimed the gold medal at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, as she did in 2016. The judoka – ranked eighth in the world in the 52 kilogram weight category – was victorious over Dijora Keldijorowa from Uzbekistan in the fight for gold.

In the final, Gneto applied an O-Uchi-Gari. The small inside sickle was the recipe for success.

Mohammed Bin Taaloob Al Derie, Chairman of the United Arab Emirates Judo Federation, presented the medals.

“I am very happy because I already won my first Grand Slam medal in Abu Dhabi, back then as a junior. Today was a good day, I am very happy,” said the winner.

Figueroa unbeatable in women’s 48kg

Julia Figueroa was top in the weight category up to 48 kilograms in Abu Dhabi. The 31-year-old Spaniard won the final against Francesca Milani from Italy. It was Figueroa’s third win at a Grand Slam. Juan Carlos Barcos, Director of External Relations at the World Judo Federation, honoured the winner.

Elios Manzi scored a victory for the Italian Judo Federation on the first day of the competition. His compatriot Matteo Piras also won the bronze medal in the 66 kilogram weight category, which was a good start for the Italian judoka in the Persian Gulf. Obaid Al Anzi, vice-president of the World Judo Federation, was in charge of the award ceremony.

South Korea also had something convincing to offer in Abu Dhabi: Namely in the person of Huh Mimi. She defeated Olympic champion Nora Gjakova in the women’s final up to 57 kilograms. Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, vice-president of the world federation, handed over the precious metal. At the age of 19, Huh Mimi now has two Grand Slam victories to her name.

The second day of competition in Abu Dhabi also promises a lot. This weekend is all about judo again.

By Frank