The final day in Tashkent saw thrilling heavyweight action. Murad Fatiyev shocked Lasha Bekauri, Kaila Issoufi secured her first Grand Slam gold, Said Sadrudinov made history for Bahrain, and Akira Sone returned to the top. A dramatic finish closed an unforgettable weekend.
The third and final day of this year's OTP Group Tashkent Grand Slam saw the heavyweights take centre stage at the Humo arena.
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The crowd were ready for action.
At -90 kg, Lasha BEKAURI, double olympic champion, made it to the final, where he met Murad FATIYEV.
And it was FATIYEV who shocked the Georgian, scoring with a low Tai-otoshi.
A second career grand slam gold.
International Judo Federation Education and Coaching Director, Mr Mohammed MERIDJA was on hand to award the medals.
At -78 kg Kaila ISSOUFI took on Anna Monta OLEK. And it was the dynamic French woman who upgraded her two previous Grand Slam bronze medals to her first gold!
Keeping concentration to secure an arm-lock and force the submission!
She was awarded her medal by Mr Armen BAGDASAROV, International Judo Federation Head Referee Director.
At -100kg, Uzbekistan’s Ernazar SARSENBAEV faced Said SADRUDINOV, who managed to earn Bahrain’s first ever IJF World Tour gold medal! Snatching victory in the dying seconds! He was awarded his medal by Uzbekistan Judo Federation President Mr Azizjon KAMILOV.
At +78 kg Akira SONE saw off the challenge of Lea FONTAINE by way of a yuko. A first title in 3 years for the former world and olympic champion. The medals were awarded by International Judo Federation Head Sport Director Mr Vladimir BARTA.
At +100kg, the crowd were ready for home hero Alisher YUSUPOV. He was facing off against Kanan NASIBOV. And Nasibov broke Uzbek hearts with a hold down in Golden Score. He was awarded his medal by OCA Vice President Mr Otabek UMAROV.
Throughout the event, and especially today, the Uzbek athletes showed their strength and determination, coming up time and again, with some breathtaking judo!
That’s all from Tashkent! Thank you Uzbekistan. We'll see you very soon… next weekend in Linz, Austria.