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Judo Grand Slam in Abu Dhabi: Renshall on top again – Swiss Nils Stump takes gold

The second day of competition of the Judo Grand Slam in Abu Dhabi set a sign of peace. 21 Jewish and Muslim children from Israel had travelled to Abu Dhabi – an expression of the relationship that now exists between Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

Marius Vizer, President of the World Judo Federation, emphasised that judo has no borders. It is the best example and the best way to show friendship, unity and solidarity.

Renshall: In Abu Dhabi it’s going like clockwork

British Lucy Renshall is one of the best judoka in the world in the 63 kilogram weight category. If proof were needed, the 26-year-old provided it in Abu Dhabi. She reached the final, where she had to deal with Barbara Timo from Portugal.

Renshall impressed, winning a Grand Slam event for the fifth time. The Briton was already victorious in Abu Dhabi last year.

Suhail Alareefi, director general of the Abu Dhabi Sports Committee, was the man of the medals.

“I like it here very much. I won my first bronze medal at the World Junior Championships in this venue. And then two Grand Slam medals before this one. Somehow it works for me here,” said Renshall.

Nils Stump: Swiss success

Switzerland’s Nils Stump was also jubilant. He won gold in the men’s up to 73 kilograms. The biggest international success of the 25-year-old from Uster so far.

In the final, Stump fought down Italy’s Giovanni Esposito. A second place in Budapest 2020 was previously Stump’s best result in a World Tour competition.

Oybek Kasimov, Secretary General of the Uzbekistan National Olympic Committee performed the award ceremony.

“I feel great and I am just happy to have won my first Grand Slam gold medal,” Stump said.

Teltsidou: On top in women’s up to 70 kilograms

Gabriella Willems from Belgium against Elisavet Teltsidou from Greece was the final duel in the women’s up to 70 kilograms. There was a Greek victory, tennis player Sorana Cîrstea handed over the gold.

Nicolas Chilard took the win in the 81 kilogram weight category: the Frenchman’s first as it was his first gold medal on the world tour. Vladimir Barta, Sports Director of the World Judo Federation, congratulated.

Our throw of the day was an O-Soto-Gari worth seeing, executed by Nugzari Tatalashvili. The Georgian by birth is now a citizen of the United Arab Emirates. His big outside sickle caused a sensation in Abu Dhabi.

This Sunday it’s clear the mat for the heavyweights!

By Julia