On the second competition day of the World Judo Tour “Kazan Grand Slam 2021” four sets of medals contested
A female Polish judoka Agata Ozdoba-Blach in the -63kgweight category grabbed the victory in an exciting final, who first was inferior to her opponent, but made a hold that resulted in a success.
“The final was hard, and I knew that Ketleyn was really ready from the technical perspective. First I was giving in, therefore realized that would need to undertake something. It is good I managed to do it. So, I’m happy with my victory. We have already had a bout before and I won. I knew I would have a chance if I show good judo. I did it. Thanks to the victory, I scored many points and now I can leave the doubts that I will perform in Tokyo. I hopethat I will claim a medal there,” Ozdoba-Blach said.
Women, –63 kg
- Gold – Agata Ozdoba-Blach, Poland
- Silver – Ketleyn Quadros, Brazil
- Bronze – Sanne Vermeer, Netherlands and Ekaterina Valkova, Russia
Madina Taymazova’s path to the victory in the –70 kgweight category turned out amazing in terms of intensity and prowess. In the semifinals, the Russian athlete beatthe two-time world champion Chizuru Arai from Japan, and in the final in extra time she still overperformedGerman Giovanna Scoccimarro. In the course of the bout,Madina was loudly cheered up for by the stands and this might have helped her to find the strength for end the final.
“In the semifinals, I didn’t tune in to something outstanding. We talked everything through with the coach, and he gave instructions on how to fight correctly. I went out to do what I was taught. In the final, I was a bit tired, but I put myself together and felt it was my duty to grab the gold. To make our anthem play! Emotions are overwhelming. I am very glad that I won the victory at the home,” Madina said.
Women, –70 kg
- Gold – Madina Taimazova, Russia
- Silver – Giovanna Scoccimarro, Germany
- Bronze – Chizuru Arai, Japan and Anna Bernholm, Sweden
2019 European Champion Makhmadbek Makhmadbekovin the -73 category swept to victory over the compatriot Ayub Khazhaliev in the final.
“The final was pretty tough. A very hard fight. I was happy with the victory, but, on the other hand, the opponent is my friend. I am very happy that I managed to display myself today. Like in any other tournament, I only tune in for gold. Any tournament is important, you always want to win. This is the second Grand Slam for me, and it was important for me to win in order to feel more confident. The goals for the Olympics are to get there and win. We will train and do our best. Atmosphere in Kazan is very good, a very beautiful arena, atmosphere at the stands. Everything is at the highest level,” Makhmadbek noted.
Men, –73 kg
- Gold – Makhmadbek Makhmadbekov, Russia
- Silver – Ayub Khazhaliev, Russia
- Bronze – Victor Scvortov, UAE and Nugzari Tatalashvili, Georgia
The final bout in the –81 kg weight category was dramatic. The 2017 European Champion Alan Khubetsov was attacking his opponent from Hungary throughout the whole fight, but in extra time, Attila Ungvari’s careful tactics was victorious for him and most likely brought him a ticket to the Olympic Games.
“I was sure that the fight would be very tough. Khubetsovis in great fit now, and he is a very strong judoka. Besides, he had a support of the homeland, so for me it was hard. At the end of the fight, I felt that my opponent got tired and I took advantage of it. My tactics ensured my success. I won, and I am very happy about it. This is a very important tournament for me. I got the necessary points and I suggest that I will still compete at the Olympics. I hope I will train well for the Tokyo Games and perform well,” said Attila Ungvari.
Men, -81 kg
- Gold – Attila Ungvari, Hungary
- Silver – Alan Khubetsov, Russia
- Bronze – Sungho Lee, Republic of Korea and Murad Fatiyev, Azerbaijan
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