The Qingdao Grand Prix ended in style as the heavyweights took centre stage. Yahor Varapayeu claimed gold at -90kg, world No.1 Anna Monta Olek won her fourth Grand Prix title, Adam Sangariev celebrated a maiden gold, Elis Startseva dominated +78kg, and Tamerlan Bashaev returned to the top.
China was ready for a powerful finish to a thrilling event as Judo’s heavyweights took to the tatami.
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At -90kg, Guilherme SCHIMIDT faced Yahor VARAPAYEU. After an impressive performance in the preliminaries, building momentum towards the gold medal contest, a yuko in the final delivered VARAPAYEU the gold medal.
International Judo Federation Executive Committee Member Mrs Louisa AGIUS GALEA awarded the medals.
Anna Monta OLEK was up against Mizuki SUGIMURA in the -78kg category. The World rank number 1 OLEK took home her fourth Grand Prix gold medal after a beautiful waza-ari.
International Judo Federation Medical Commission Member Dr Chafik El Kettani awarded the medals.
At -100kg, Adam SANGARIEV was on great form in the preliminaries. He faced Giovani FERREIRA in the final where a clever ippon gave SANGARIEV his first Grand Prix gold.
International Judo Federation Media & Judo for Peace Director Mr Nicolas MESSNER awarded the medals.
After a great day, Elis STARTSEVA faced Lea FONTAINE in the +78kg final. A hold down for ippon won her the gold medal.
Taishan Group Chair Mr BIAN Qingfeng awarded the medals.
At +100kg, Tamerlan BASHAEV faced Hyoga OTA. BASHAEV finished the contest with a huge ippon, claiming his first gold in almost three years!
International Judo Federation Referee Supervisor Mr Evgeny RAKHLIN awarded the medals.
The home crowd cheered Fuchun HUANG’s bronze medal at -100kg as three days of elite Judo come to an end in China.