The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam reached its dramatic conclusion as heavyweight judokas delivered a series of high-stakes matches on the event's final day. The tournament drew the attention of judo legend Teddy Riner, who praised the host city's commitment to the sport.
"I’m very happy to come to Abu Dhabi," Riner remarked. "It's not my first time, but each time I come it’s a new event and more beautiful. As I know, the President works a lot for the athletes and for judo to come to the best places."
In the -90kg category, Bulgaria's Ivaylo Ivanov staged an impressive comeback against Moldova’s Mihail Latisev, securing his second grand slam title 11 years after his first. International Development Group Chairman Mr.
Nureddin Sehweil presented the medals for this division. The -78kg final featured newly crowned world champion Yelyzaveta Lytvynenko of the UAE, who defeated Portugal’s Patricia Sampaio.
Lytvynenko utilized a powerful counterattack to secure gold while wearing the world champion’s red backpatch, with the medal awarded by UAE Judo Federation President His Excellency Mohammed Bin Tha'aloob Al Derie.
The -100kg final saw France’s Aurelien Diesse face Russia’s Idar Bifov, with Bifov claiming victory after executing a skillful armlock during the groundwork phase. The medals were awarded by triple Olympic and 12-time world champion Teddy Riner.
In the +78kg category, Israel’s Raz Hershko was defeated by Croatia’s Helena Vukovic, who executed a tactical masterclass to earn the gold medal, presented by International Judo Federation Head Referee Director Mr.
Armen Bagdasarov. Finally, in the +100kg final, Georgia’s Irakli Demetrashvilli secured his second grand slam gold of the year by throwing and holding world silver medalist Ushangi Kokauri of Azerbaijan. The medals were awarded by International Judo Federation Head Sport Director Mr. Vladimir Barta.
The veteran Bulgarian came from behind to seal a second grand slam title 11 years after his first!
Bifov showed excellent skill in groundwork to armlock the Frenchman for the win!
