The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam kicked off with historic gold for Azerbaijan's Konul Aliyeva, another title for Balabay Aghayev and stunning victories from Tihea Topolovec and Sukhrob Boqiev. France's Martha Fawaz also struck gold on an action-packed opening day.
Fresh off the World Championships, the World Judo Tour returned to the Mubadala Arena for the prestigious Abu Dhabi Grand Slam.
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In the -48kg final Turkiye’s Merve AZAK took on Azerbaijan’s Konul ALIYEVA.
ALIYEVA got the historic win, achieving the first ever women’s Grand Slam gold medal for Azerbaijan.
Mr Marius Vizer, President of the International Judo Federation, awarded the medals.
At -60kg top seed Azerbaijan's Balabay AGHAYEV. took on 18 year old Loiq KUDBUDINOV.
Showcasing why he was the favourite Aghayev showed speed and skill to score a dynamic ippon!
International Judo Federation Vice President Dr Laszlo TOTH awarded the medals.
In the -52kg final Olympic medalist Amandine BUCHARD took on Tihea TOPOLOVEC of Croatia.
TOPOLOVEC scored a clever waza ari to win her first ever Grand Slam gold medal!
IOC Member Mr Balazs FÜRJES awarded the medals.
At -66kg Bahrain’s Sukhrob BOQIEV’s first world tour final was against Iago ABULADZE.
Boqiev defied his world ranking of 277 to take a shock gold!
The medals were awarded by International Judo Federation Vice President Mr Obaid AL ANZI.
At -57kg Brazil’s Shirlen NASCIMENTO took on France’s Martha FAWAZ.
Two waza ari scores, the first an opportune o soto after a weak attack from Nascimento.
And the second, a driving o uchi gari that travelled across the mat, gave Fawaz a second grand slam title.
International Judo Federation Vice President Mr Siteny RANDRIANASOLONIAIKO awarded her the gold medal.
The home team also didn’t disappoint, with some top action from the UAE’s Narmandakh BAYANMUNKH.
Join us for day two of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam tomorrow.