Day 2 of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam delivered thrilling judo! Angelika Szymanska, Hassan Doukkali, Tais Pina and Petru Pelivan claimed gold, with historic first Grand Slam titles for Morocco and Moldova.
Following a spectacular first day, the action continued in the Mubadala Arena as day two of the Abu Dhabi Judo Grand Slam delivered unforgettable showdowns.
A day packed with top athletes and some incredible judo.
At -63kg Hungary’s Anna KRIZA faced up against Lausanne Grand Slam gold medalist Angelika SZYMANSKA of Poland.
SZYMANSKA’s experience proved crucial, as she scored waza ari and held on for the win! A great start to the olympic qualification period for the Polish number one.
His Excellency Jabr Al SUWAIDI, UAE Minister of State awarded the medals.
At -73kg it was an epic final! Tajikistan’s Masudi AHMADZOD against Morocco’s Hassan DOUKKALI.
A brilliant feint from DOUKKALI got him in the perfect position to score yuko and claim a historic 1st grand slam gold for Morocco!
Ambassador of Tajikistan to U.A.E. His Excellency Ashrafjon GULOV awarded the medals.
Going for gold at -70kg, Brazil’s Kaillany CARDOSO clashed against Portugal’s Tais PINA.
PINA showed excellent skill in groundwork to turn over and pin her opponent to earn her first grand slam gold for two years!
Former Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee President Mr Brian LEWIS awarded the medals.
In the -81kg final, Eetu IHANAMAKI of Finland took on Petru PELIVAN of Moldova.
A dramatic final saw PELIVAN strike gold with a clever ko uchi gari that scored yuko! His first ever grand slam gold!
Moldova Judo Federation Vice President Mr Victor FLORESCU awarded the medals.
The action continues tomorrow, it’s time for the heavyweights to take to the mat.
Source: www.euronews.com
