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Abu Dhabi Judo Grand Slam day two: More gold for the host nation

ijf
·2 min read

Following a successful first day for the hosts of this year's Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, more action was promised on day 2 with several UAE fighters ready to claim glory and reach the podium inside the Mubadala Arena.

At -63 kg, Manon DEKETER took on Iva OBERAN, Ura nage for a waza-ari close to the end of the contest secured the title for the french fighter.

IJF Guest, Carlo LAZZARI awarded her the gold medal.

It's a very good grand slam, well organised. Abu Dhabi is a beautiful city. It's hot, and it's good to have some heat, because it's not the case in France right now. It feels good and it worked for me.

UAE's Makhmadbek MAKHMADBEKOV was looking for the country’s second gold in as many days as he took on Tajik fighter Abubakr SHEROV at -73kg.

After a close battle, he struck in golden score with a huge pick up, delighting the home support.

Mohammed Bin Tha'aloob Al DERIE, UAE Judo Federation President, awarded the medals.

I really wanted to win this tournament because it’s my first tournament for UAE. Abu Dhabi is a very beautiful city as is all of UAE. I like this country. When I was young, I told my parents that I wanted to live in the UAE. Because first time I was here my brother was fighting in Asian Championships, I was maybe 15 or 16 and I thought, wow I want to live here”

The final of the -70 kg category saw two dutch athletes compete for the gold medal.

It was Margit DE VOOGD who seized the initiative. She showed lightning fast reactions to take advantage of her compatriots stray arm, apply the pressure and force the submission. A first ever world judo tour title for the 26 year old.

Fabrice CAQUIN, CEO of Selerys, was present to award her the gold.

Zelim TCKAEV was victorious in the -81 kg final. A driving tomoe nage proved the difference and won TCKAEV his third Grand Slam gold medal.

Chairman of the International Teqball Federation, Viktor Huszar was on hand to award the medals.