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Abu Dhabi Judo Grand Slam 2024: Heavyweights take centre stage

ijf
·2 min read

The final day of this year's Abu Dhabi Grand Slam saw the heavyweights take centre stage.

The action took place inside the Mubadala Arena.

At -90 kg, Mansur LORSANOV produced an enormous hip throw to launch his opponent onto his back and claim the title.

Naser AL TAMIMI, IJF General Treasurer awarded the gold medal.

Anna Monta OLEK continued her amazing form at -78kg. A sharp O-uchi-gari downed her opponent in the final, scoring a waza–ari and she controlled the fight thereafter to expertly take her first Grand Slam gold medal. As the fight ended, exhaustion soon gave way to delight for the German.

Obaid AL ANZI, IJF Vice President, awarded the medals.

“I don’t know what it is, but Abu Dhabi seems to be my kind of city! My friend actually also got her first Grand Slam medal here so, I don’t know what it is but I will come back definitely.”

The final of the -100 kg category saw Michael KORREL claim gold with an expertly executed Ashi-Guruma. The Dutchman was thrilled to claim his sixth Grand Slam Gold!

Siteny RANDRIANASOLONIAIKO, IJF Vice President, was present to award the gold.

“I think today I showed again that I am on top of the -100 kg, and that’s all I can do today. If I show what I have in my system like I did today and be brave then great results come with it”

Coralie HAYME romped her way to the top spot of the podium at +78 kg. She swiftly pounced on a mistake from her opponent to secure the pin and take gold.

IJF Vice President, Carlos ZEGARRA was on hand to award the medals.

At +100 kg Valerii ENDOVITSKII threw and held former world medalist Ushangi Kokauri, to earn himself the title in the heaviest men’s category.

Haruki UEMURA, IJF EC Member & Kodokan President, gave the medals.

A successful home event for the UAE where they finished an impressive 4th in the medal table standings. That’s all from Abu Dhabi.