Judo stars from all over the world came to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, for the highly anticipated Judo Grand Slam.
The iconic event was held at the Olympic Palace of Sports.
Korean Hyekyeong Lee, at -48 kg, won the title by beating French Laura Espadinha with a spectacular, low Ura-nage ippon score.
IJF Director of Training and Coaching Mohammed Meridja was there to award the medals.
-In the 60 kilo category, Nurkanat Serikbayev faced Yam Wolczak in the final. The sacrifice technique was the decisive factor for Serikbayev, who clung to the victory by scoring waza-ari towards the end of the match.
He received his medal from Deputy Head of the State Security Service of Georgia Shengeli Pitskhelauri.
“So this is the first competition in Tbilisi for me. And it was successful. I am very happy about it. I love the city. It is very friendly and friendly,” said Serikbayev.
-Ariane Toro Soler faced Ana Viktorija Puljiz in the 52 kg category.
Time passed until the gold point, but Toro Soler mustered the strength to produce a huge Uchi-mata and take the gold medal.
He received his medal from IJF International Referee Seminars Coordinator Juan Carlos Barcos.
“I like it here because I bought gold, but it’s a good city and it’s nice to stay here. It’s really nice that people love Judo, because it’s nice to see that they love this sport,” said Toro Soler.
Ivan Chernykh shocked everyone by winning the gold medal in his first competition on the IJF World Judo Tour in the -66 kg category.
The medals were presented by Italian Ambassador to Georgia Massimiliano D’Antuono.
Then came the moment all Georgian fans had been waiting for.
-57 kg home favorite Eteri Liparteliani has advanced to the final where she will face former world champion Canadian Jessica Klimkait.
To the delight of the crowd, Liparteliani scored early in the fight and fought bravely until time expired.
He was awarded a gold medal by Georgian Member of Parliament Irakli Medzmariashvili.
There are two more days left until Judo ends.
