Europe began the three-day Abu Dhabi Grand Slam in emphatic style, claiming four of the five gold medals on offer on the opening day. Among the highlights was the triumphant return of Russian judoka Ayub Bliev, competing under his national colours for the first time as Russia regained representation on the IJF circuit. By the end of the day, European athletes had amassed an impressive 15 medals from a possible 20. Here is how the final block unfolded.
–48kg category
China’s Xinran Hui powered her way into the final with a clinical run through the preliminaries, dispatching top seed Abiba Abuzhakynova (KAZ) in quick fashion before edging past Sabina Giliazova (RUS) with a golden-score ippon.
On the opposite side, it was an all-Spanish affair in the semi-final, where Laura Martínez Abelenda outmanoeuvred teammate Eva Pérez Soler to book her place in the gold-medal contest.
The final opened cautiously but Martínez Abelenda seized the advantage early with a sharp o-uchi-gari for waza-ari. Both athletes later collected shidos as the pressure mounted, but the Spaniard’s excellent tempo control kept her out of danger. Hui’s last-minute seoi-otoshi attempts weren’t enough to turn the tide. Bronze went to Yua Mori (JPN) and Abuzahakynova (KAZ).
–60kg category
Top seed Ayub Bliev (RUS) looked untouchable throughout the morning, progressing to the final with wins over Tumenjargal Tuvshintur (MGL), Konstantin Simeonidis (UAE) and Ahmad Yusifov (AZE).
In the lower half of the draw, Ariunbold Enkhtaivan (MGL) produced one of the day’s biggest shocks, throwing reigning world champion Giorgi Sardalashvili (GEO) for a spectacular ippon to earn his place in the title bout.
The final, however, belonged entirely to Bliev. He struck with a lightning-fast waza-ari in the opening seconds and never relinquished control. Enkhtaivan chased the contest aggressively but Bliev dictated every exchange to secure his third Grand Slam crown. Bronze medals went to Sardalashvili (GEO) and Salih Yildiz (TUR).
–52kg category
Hungary’s Pupp Réka delivered the upset of the day when she halted the formidable run of Distria Krasniqi (KOS). After four tense minutes without a score, Pupp managed to rotate Krasniqi onto her side for a decisive yuko, a result that sent her into the final and would have felt, to many, like a victory already.
From the other half, Mascha Ballhaus (GER) outperformed expectations, dispatching Olympic medallist Odette Giuffrida (ITA) with authority to reach the gold-medal contest.
The final began with careful tactical probing but it was on the ground where Ballhaus made her move. With flawless precision, she transitioned smoothly into osae-komi, securing ippon in two phases. Pupp, still riding the emotional high of her semi-final win, could do little to resist.
Ballhaus celebrated her third and, arguably, the most significant Grand Slam gold. Bronzes went to Giuffrida (ITA) and Krasniqi (KOS).
–66kg category
France’s Walide Khyar looked strong all morning, booking his place in the final with controlled, confident performances. From the lower half, Murad Chopanov (RUS) bulldozed his way through the draw to set up a gripping showdown.
With two close-contact specialists, their meeting hinged on small margins. Chopanov struck first with a ko-uchi-gari for yuko, after which Khyar ramped up the aggression. The Frenchman kept pushing but Chopanov absorbed the pressure superbly, until the final second, when Khyar snatched an equalising yuko at the very last gong. The golden score was frantic, with both men threatening. Ultimately, Khyar sealed victory with a decisive yoko-guruma for yuko, earning him the title. Bronze medals went to Adrián Nieto Chinarro (ESP) and Elios Manzi (ITA).
–57kg category
Italy’s Giulia Carnà carved her path to the final with wins over Seija Ballhaus (GER), Marta García Martín (ESP) and Julie Beurskens (NED). On the opposite side, Mimi Huh (KOR) edged Binta Ndiaye (SUI) in a tightly contested semi-final.
The final opened with a flurry of seoi-otoshi attempts from both athletes but Carnà’s cleaner execution earned Huh the first shido. With the contest still level, the bout moved into golden score, where Carnà appeared to be gaining momentum.
However, a brief lapse in groundwork cost her dearly. Huh seized the transition instantly, locking in a hold-down and securing victory within five seconds. Another gold for the Korean in a city that continues to suit her perfectly. Bronze medals won by García Martín (ESP) and Beurskens (NED).
Day two will spotlight the middleweight divisions, the women’s –63kg and –70kg categories and the men’s –73kg and –81kg, with all the action available live online via JudoTV.com.
Source and Images: International Judo Federation
Author: Szandra Szogedi