The Zagreb Judo Grand Prix opened on Friday in the presence of Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovič and International Federation boss Mirius Vizer. It is the first major world event in the sport since the Olympic Games from Tokyo.
French women in good shape
Among the ladies, the Frenchwoman Priscilla Gneto makes a remarkable comeback after a two-year absence from the world tour. She won the final under 57 kg thanks to a superb Ura Nage. The young woman who explains having lived “A long period“relish his victory.”I saw that I really love my sport, and I was so excited to come back“she confided at the end of her victory.
His long-awaited gold medal was awarded to him by Sandra Corak, responsible for education of the International Judo Federation.
Less luck for his sister, Astride Gneto, who was surprised by the Belgian, Amber Ryheul in the category of less than 52 kg. The French, yet seventh in the world, saw victory escape her in the Golden score.Mohammed Meridja, director of coaching of the international federation awarded her medal to the winner.
Consolation prize for France, Blandine Pont won in the under 48 kg category, against her compatriot Melanie Vieu.
Sam Hall takes his chance
In the male category of less than 66 kg, it is the Moldovan Denis Vieru who won this Friday. Tai Otoshi specialist, he distinguished himself in the final by turning over and now his opponent, the Russian Abdula Abdulzhalilov.
“I am a Tai Otoshi specialist. My legs are very fast and light“explains the Moldovan, winner of the Paris Grand Slam in 2019.
His gold medal was presented to him by Florin Daniel Lascau, director of referees of the International Federation.
Sam Hall, for his part, took his chance after an attack from his Italian opponent, Angelo Pantano. Thanks to a choke hold the Briton secured a great victory in the under 60 kg category. His medal was presented to him by Lisa Allan, responsible for the events of the International Federation.
The host country is still on the medal table for this first day, thanks to the young Ana Viktoija Puljiz who won bronze in the under 52 kg category. She would compete at home, practicing explosive and dynamic judo.
At the end of a spectacular day, our teams will remember two actions, one by the Italian Pantano, and the other by the Russian Abdulzhalilov: videos to watch on the Twitter account of the International Judo Federation, which we post here- below.
Reference-feedproxy.google.com