The second day of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam delivered high-level action across four middleweight categories: the women’s –63kg and –70kg divisions and the men’s –73kg and –81kg classes. Europe claimed half of the gold medals available. Russia maintained its lead on the medal table with one gold and two silvers, followed by Hungary with a gold and a silver, while Spain sits third with one gold and two bronzes.
–63kg Category
There was no European representative in the –63kg final but the bronze medal contests provided two standout encounters. Jessica Klimkait (CAN) met Carlotta Avanzato (ITA) in a tactical battle marked by contrasting styles, while former Olympic and world champion Rafaela Silva (BRA) took on Laura Fazliu (KOS) in a tense, physically demanding contest. Fazliu ultimately finished fifth but Avanzato delivered a strong performance to secure Europe’s sole medal in this weight class.
In the bout between Klimkait and Avanzato, the Canadian applied early pressure, earning the first penalty against her Italian opponent. Despite this, neither judoka managed to score, sending the bout into golden score. As extra time unfolded, penalties accumulated on both sides until Klimkait received a third shido for breaking the grip, handing the bronze to Avanzato.
–73kg Category
The –73kg final featured two athletes who had shown impeccable form throughout the day. Muhiddin Asadulloev (TJK) advanced with sharp, composed judo, while Nils Stump (SUI) navigated the rounds with equal authority. A thrilling showdown was all but guaranteed.
Stump opened aggressively, trying to disrupt the rhythm of his opponent but it was Asadulloev who struck first, scoring waza-ari with ko-uchi-gari. The Tajik judoka fought fiercely in every exchange, repeatedly escaping dangerous situations with remarkable agility. His momentum held until Stump responded with a precise counter that evened the score.
Golden score delivered exactly the drama expected. Ultimately, a perfectly timed obi-tori-gaeshi secured victory for Stump, sealing a highlight-reel win. Despite the European gold, no additional medals were earned by the continent in this category.
–70kg Category
The –70kg final brought together two athletes who had controlled their sides of the draw with confidence. Top seed Aoife Coughlan (AUS) progressed with disciplined and steady judo, while Ozbas Szofi (HUN) demonstrated sharp tactical choices and technical precision en route to the gold-medal contest.
Once the final began, Ozbas seized command almost immediately. With a smooth, well-timed sode-tsuri-komi-goshi, she took a decisive lead. Coughlan appeared constrained, unable to impose her rhythm, which played directly into Ozbas’ strengths. Maintaining full control of the tempo, the Hungarian judoka closed out the contest and claimed the gold with authority. Bronze medals were awarded to Margit De Voogd (NED) and Ida Eriksson (SWE).
–81kg Category
The –81kg final featured two judoka who had produced dominant performances throughout the day. François Gauthier Drapeau (CAN) arrived in exceptional form, while Abdul-Kerim Tasuev (RUS) built equally strong momentum from the opposite side of the draw.
The final was explosive from the start: within thirty seconds, Gauthier Drapeau launched into a dynamic sode-tsuri-komi-goshi that scored yuko, a modest value considering the quality and amplitude of the throw. He soon extended his lead with a powerful o-soto-gari, this time earning waza-ari.
Despite his technical excellence, the Canadian collected two penalties, leaving little room for error. However, he closed the fight with disciplined tactical control, securing his second career Grand Slam gold medal. Europe’s additional success in this category came from Victor Sterpu (MDA), who secured bronze.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam concludes tomorrow with the remaining five weight categories: the men’s –90kg, –100kg, +100kg and the women’s –78kg and +78kg. All contests can be followed live on JudoTV.com.
Source and Images: International Judo Federation
Author: Szandra Szogedi