This week the IJF World Tour is heading south of the equator to Abu Dhabi for the primary Grand Slam occasion on this new cycle. Already we have been spoiled with incredible judo within the Zagreb Grand Prix, one of the best junior athletes got here collectively most not too long ago for the World Championships in Tajikistan, and now the seniors will go face to face for the massive factors, and after supporting their youthful group mates from the tribunes, Obid DZHEBOV (-66kg) and Behruzi KHOJAZODA (-73kg) shall be amongst group Tajikistan.
With many massive names, we are able to already count on nice issues from this occasion, and a pleasant shock coming from the hosts; Makhmadbek MAKHMADBEKOV is now competing for the United Arab Emirates within the -73kg class. Although it’s his first occasion beneath the UAE flag, Makhmadbekov can already boast of 5 IJF World Tour gold medals, ten in complete, and shall be an especially priceless member of the group. He additionally joins the likes of Nugzari TATALASHVILI and Narmandakh BAYANMUNKH as a few of the highest ranked within the group, the pair sitting at #17 and #26 on this planet rating checklist, Makhmadbekov at #9.
Among the many different highest ranked we see Tamerlan BASHAEV (IJF) within the +100kg class, will probably be a straight return to Abu Dhabi as that was his final worldwide efficiency within the World Championships this yr the place he took the bronze medal. Within the -60kg class, Balabay AGHAYEV (AZE) would be the primary seed, and group mate, Zelim TCKAEV will take the highest spot in -81kg. Senior European silver medallist, Danil LAVRENTEV has confirmed to be an especially powerful opponent within the -73kg class, the primary seed additionally claimed two Grand Slam silver medals in 2024, in Tashkent and Astana, and at solely 21 yr outdated he’s making nice headway on this very gifted class.
Persevering with their climb and seeking to breach the highest 30 following the Zagreb Grand Prix, we’ve got SAFRANY Peter (HUN) within the -90kg class, Rhys THOMPSON (GBR) in -100kg and Victor STERPU (MDA) in -81kg.
There are additionally loads of athletes newer to the IJF World Judo Tour who’re stepping from the continental open stage to check the waters and discover the place they stand amongst a few of the greatest on this planet; Leonardo VALERIANI (ITA) is at the moment #185 within the WRL at -73kg however secured the gold medal within the Prague European Open. Adrian SULCA (ROU) has been battling previous damage and in to a brand new weight class, following nice success as an -73kg athlete, the -81kg has confirmed an awesome problem, however a very good efficiency in Prague has him in good stead and he would be the #8 seed in Abu Dhabi. Similar might be stated for the Prague gold medallist within the -90kg class; Jesper SMINK (NED) who’s seeded #5 on this event.
Fully unseeded and unranked within the -100kg, who will undoubtedly trigger early upset is Olympic medallist, TOTH Krisztian (HUN) who’s venturing in to the subsequent weight class within the UAE.
The stay draw will happen on Thursday tenth October at 14:00 native time, all might be discovered at JudoTV.com!
Judoka
Creator: Thea Cowen
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