The percentages had been stacked in opposition to any European glory on day one of many Tokyo Grand Slam 2024 with a small entry from the continent, however, the chances didn’t write off medallists utterly, and for 2 athletes, it was their first time to take a Grand Slam medal, what higher place to do it than within the house of judo?
Within the -60kg class, Ayub BLIEV (IJF) got here near the ultimate, assembly the present Olympic bronze medallist, NAGAYAMA Ryuju (JPN) within the semi, however after a troublesome face to face, was despatched to the bronze medal contest in opposition to Michel AUGUSTO (BRA). Bliev struggled, particularly within the opening half of the competition, and within the remaining 30 seconds discovered his opening in ne waza, making use of osaekomi however solely managed waza ari. Extremely, on the buzzer, it was te waza that confirmed his bronze medal place on the rostrum, including on to his 2023 bronze in the identical area.
Martha FAWAZ (FRA) was in a special place, having to battle her manner by means of the repechage of the -57kg class right now. Fawaz’ challenger for bronze was the present Junior World bronze medallist, Bianca REIS (BRA). The French athlete bided her time, and took the management of the competition, ultimately throwing with harai goshi and scoring a profitable waza ari that Reis was unable to return again from.
Including to the medal desk within the -73kg class was 2024 European silver medallist, Danil LAVRENTEV (IJF). The 21 year-old is actually one to observe on this cycle, solely shedding out within the European Championship to this years World and Olympic Champion, Hidayat HEYDAROV (AZE), Lavrentev is already rolling with the heavy hitters. At the moment it was an unlucky quarter remaining loss to the eventual champion, TANAKA Ryuga (JPN), nonetheless Lavrentev got here again by means of the repechage, defeating Jack YONEZUKA (USA) after which Abubakr SHEROV (TJK) for the bronze medal, demonstrating his expertise in ne waza, working for nearly a minute earlier than taking the win.
A bronze medal was assured within the -63kg class, with the present European Champion, Renata ZACHOVA (CZE) going through Flavia FAVORINI (ITA). The latter discovered success within the Sarajevo European Open, and was very happy together with her accomplishment on condition that her intense research have pressured her in to a balancing act. Now right now she fought for a medal within the revered Tokyo Grand Slam, fairly the step up.
It was an extremely troublesome contest between the pair, going properly in to golden rating, and at this level, Favorini started to lose the management she as soon as had, ceding two shidos. After virtually three minutes of additional contest time, Favorini tried a drop morote seoi nage however didn’t have the momentum, which resulted in a counter by Zachova and her first Grand Slam medal!
Judoka
Creator: Thea Cowen
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