A fast look on the entry for the Baku Grand Slam 2025 and you’ll instantly be excited, with a slew of Olympic medallists and legends, it is going to be a troublesome feat for the European entries.
The Paris Grand Slam was a troublesome occasion, however now that Japan have despatched their A-Workforce to play, it can actually be very attention-grabbing. All eyes after all are on ABE Uta within the -52kg class. The Tokyo Olympic Champion has been virtually unrivalled, however within the Paris Olympic Video games, she was surprised by Diyora KELDIYOROVA (UZB), who terminated her potentialities of standing on the Olympic podium. Not solely was the defeat extensively mentioned, however so was the response that adopted, which might lead us to imagine it has been a tough journey again to the tatami for the 24 year-old. Abe’s opponents embrace prime common performers; Mascha BALLHAUS (GER) and PUPP Reka (HUN) in addition to rising stars; GYERTAS Roza (HUN) and Ayumi LEIVA SANCHEZ (ESP).
Olympic gold and bronze medallists TSUNODA Natsumi (JPN) and Tara BABULFATH (SWE) lead the -48kg class this week, the pair went face to face in a troublesome semi closing within the Paris 2024 Olympics, a contest to recollect. Given the seeding, we may see a repeat within the closing in Baku. Although there are some massive throwing athletes within the -57kg class together with prime seed Eteri LIPARTELIANI (GEO), eyes can be on Azerbaijan’s up and coming judoka, Fidan ALIZADA, the 19 year-old not solely took the Junior European title in 2024, however went one additional to assert the U23 title.
We proceed to welcome new faces to new weight classes which isn’t unusual as we enterprise in to a brand new cycle. Within the -63kg class, Jessica KLIMKAIT (CAN) is available in unseeded, testing the waters in opposition to the likes of World Champion, Joanne VAN LIESHOUT, former Olympic and World Champion, Rafaela SILVA (BRA) and quantity two seed, Ljubljana PIOVESANA (AUT) who took fifth place in Paris.
Often within the -63kg class, OZBAS Szofi (HUN) has stepped as much as tackle the ladies at -70kg, which once more is providing up Olympic success from silver medallist, Miriam BUTKEREIT (GER), along with her staff mate, Giovanna SCOCCIMARRO. A younger candidate breaking by way of the ranks is Elena DENGG (AUT), 2024 introduced her nice success, with each a Junior World and European U23 title.
Within the -78kg class it is going to be an actual battle for podium locations. The group accommodates solely eight contenders, however it is going to be fierce. Alina BOEHM and Anna Monta OLEK of Germany maintain the highest two positions and have been each within the prime 10 earlier than Olympic qualification, although behind one other German athlete which misplaced them Olympic candidacy. Now in a brand new run, the video games start once more. Others vying for the gold in Baku can be Yuliia KURCHENKO (UKR), just lately returned Lieke DERKS (NED) following harm, world rating listing climber, Zanet MICHAELIDOU (CYP) and Japan’s UMEKI Mami. Lastly, European silver medallist, Elisavet TELTSIDOU (GRE) is unranked, and can be a shock within the weight.
Wrapping up the ladies’s classes are the +78kg, lead by Hilal OZTURK (TUR), carefully follows by three athletes within the prime 20; Marit KAMPS (NED), Karen STEVENSON (NED) and Milica ZABIC (SRB).
Judoka
Writer: Thea Cowen
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