A powerful final day in Tbilisi saw Luka Maisuradze win gold at -90kg, Audrey Tcheumeo dominate, and Idar Bifov impress. Raz Hershko staged a comeback victory, while Irakli Demetrashvili thrilled the home crowd. Georgia confirmed its strength with multiple medals.
It’s Day 3 of the Judo Grand Slam here in Tbilisi. The Tbilisi Arena roared with nonstop heavyweight action on the final day of competition.
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And, hopes for more home medals were high.
At -90kg home favourite Luka MAISURADZE was up against Nemanja MAJDOV of Serbia. Two former world champions, battling for gold.
In golden score, MAISURADZE caught his opponent for a yuko score and the gold medal.
His medal was awarded by Director of the International Judo Federation New Technologies & High Performance Commission, Mr David KEVKHISHVILI.
At -78kg, Audrey TCHEUMEO of France had a incredible day, performing this text book osoto-gari in the preliminaries.
She ended her day with a top spot finish.
International Judo Federation Referee Supervisor, Mr Mariano DOS SANTOS awarded the medal.
At -100kg Idar BIFOV struck gold in his 4th ever grand slam appearance. Catching his opponent with a beautiful sacrifice technique and scoring a waza-ari.
International Judo Federation Media & Judo for Peace Director, Mr Nicolas MESSNER awarded the medals.
In the +78kg final, Olympic Silver medalist Raz HERSHKO stunned the crowd. A waza-ari down, HERSHKO committed herself to a superb Osoto-otoshi, scoring ippon and winning the gold medal.
Referee Supervisor of the International Judo Federation, Mr Vladimer NUTSUBIDZE awarded the medals.
Home favourite Irakli DEMETRASHVILI looked set for gold during the preliminaries at +100kg. His toughest fight, however, came in the final against Losseni KONE of Germany.
A show-stopping Uchi-mata from DEMETRASHVILI had the crowd up on their feet for the last gold medal of the day.
He received his medal from International Judo Federation Referee Supervisor, Ms Ioana BABIUC.
With an additional 2 bronze medals, the day was filled with phenomenal judo from the home team. Day 3 showed off the incredible power of Georgian judo.
Thank you, Tbilisi, and we’ll see you next time in Dushanbe!