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Mongolia and Great Britain – sensational at the Judo Grand Slam in Tbilisi.

The second day of the Tbilisi Grand Slam – judo-mad Georgians filled the stadium and cheered on their heroes. Few spectators on the World Tour are as passionate as the Georgian fans.

In the 63kg weight class, Britain’s Lucy Renshall continues to show consistent performance at the highest level. Giorgi Atabegashvili, President of the Georgian Judo Federation, presented the medals.

“It’s so nice to walk out of the arena and hear people cheering. When you make a good throw you can hear the crowd really getting into it, it’s nice, it’s motivating, it’s a great atmosphere.”

_Lucy Renshall

Under 73kg Erdenebayar Batzaya was in blinding form all day! One incredible ippon after another…. In the exciting final, the Mongolian youngster took advantage of his opponent’s fatigue – Ippon in the Golden Score. Vlad Marinescu, Director General of the IJF, presented him with his medal.

“I am so happy that my technique worked throughout the day and I was able to score like this. I am very grateful for that”

Erdenebayar Batzaya

Under 70kg Elisavet Teltsidou of Greece catapulted into the final with a tremendous hip throw. Her tactical victory over world and Olympic medallist Sanne van Dijke made her not only happy but also the proud owner of a gold medal. This was presented to her by IJF Referee Supervisor Giuseppe Maddaloni.

In the 81kg weight class, Wachid Borchashvili prevailed in a tough fight against Abylaikhan Zhubanazar of Kazakhstan with his effective throwing technique. Neil Adams, IJF Referee Officer, presented the medals.

Today local hero Lasha Shavdatuashvili also fought. He is the only Georgian to have won all three major titles, the World, European and Olympic titles, a legend of the sport. Here are the results of the day.

The fans in Tbilisi were thrilled, even though he won bronze instead of gold today. As a sportsman, he is an inspiration for everyone.

By Jennifer