Uali KURZHEV (RUS) was the last man standing for Europe during the second day of the tournament. Kurzhev wasted no time as he spent just over 8 minutes on the mat to claim gold at the -73kg category. The longest lasting contest was his final against SAIYINJIRIGALA China (CHN), where after three minutes, Kurzhev raid again for Ippon.
The last and final day brought about two golden shows for Europe. The first to deliver was 2016 Glasgow European Open winner, Max STEWART (GBR). The British fighter took the chance to convey according to his top seeding position and claimed victory at the -90kg category. Undoubtedly, the talent runs in the vein of the Stewart family, as Max’s father, Dennis Stewart, won bronze at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Father and son success was on great display during the day where the young, yet talented British fighter defeated GANTULGA Altanbagana (MGL) by shime-waza in the final.
To close the show, and to set Russia onto the top of the medal table, Kirill DENISOV (RUS) returned in style after a disappointed Olympic Games. To start a clean page for the new cycle, Denisov moved up into the -100kg category. His performance seen three of his four opponents falling for Ippon. The only time when mainly tactical skills needed to be applied was against HONG Yi Chih (TPE) during the semi-final, where Denisov took victory by 3 penalties difference in his favor.
The first edition of the China Grand Prix took place in Qingdao since the Rio Olympic Games. Although, the numbers were not at record, the audience saw quality contests throughout the weekend. Russia won four gold, five silver and five bronze medals, which allowed them to set Japan back to second place on the overall medal table. The host nation, China, finished respectively on third place.
The event was set across three days, where during the first day we saw Abdula ABDULZHALILOV (RUS) delivering a spectacular performance in the -66kg category, winning three of his four contests by Ippon. The only person to last for the full 5 minutes against the Russian judoka was TAGAWA Kenzo (JPN). To double the joy for the Russian team, Anastasiia KONKINA excelled at the -57kg category.
Uali KURZHEV (RUS) was the last man standing for Europe during the second day of the tournament. Kurzhev wasted no time as he spent just over 8 minutes on the mat to claim gold at the -73kg category. The longest lasting contest was his final against SAIYINJIRIGALA China (CHN), where after three minutes, Kurzhev raid again for Ippon.
The last and final day brought about two golden shows for Europe. The first to deliver was 2016 Glasgow European Open winner, Max STEWART (GBR). The British fighter took the chance to convey according to his top seeding position and claimed victory at the -90kg category. Undoubtedly, the talent runs in the vein of the Stewart family, as Max’s father, Dennis Stewart, won bronze at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Father and son success was on great display during the day where the young, yet talented British fighter defeated GANTULGA Altanbagana (MGL) by shime-waza in the final.
To close the show, and to set Russia onto the top of the medal table, Kirill DENISOV (RUS) returned in style after a disappointed Olympic Games. To start a clean page for the new cycle, Denisov moved up into the -100kg category. His performance seen three of his four opponents falling for Ippon. The only time when mainly tactical skills needed to be applied was against HONG Yi Chih (TPE) during the semi-final, where Denisov took victory by 3 penalties difference in his favor.