Final: Ushangi Kokauri (AZE) vs Irakli Demetrashvili (GEO)
This was an entertaining contest with both judoka focused on finding that one all-important score that would carry them to the top of the podium. There can only be one winner though and in this case it was Irakli Demetrashvili who tipped the balance.
The Georgian judoka put together a neat combination to throw his Azerbaijani opponent, transitioning to osaekomi to seal the deal. An impressive silver medal has been earned in Abu Dhabi by Ushangi Kokauri on the back of his world championship success, while Irakli Demetrashvili claims a superb gold medal to add to his growing collection.
“After missing a medal at the World Championships in Baku, I improved my condition and am thrilled to become a double grand slam gold medallist.” Irakli Demetrashvili was happy to be interviewed after the final. “Winning in Tbilisi and adding several medals to my list this season has been very satisfying. Training with legends like Lasha Shavdatuashvili teaches me valuable lessons, as every win or loss provides details to analyse and improve step-by-step. While I am happy with my progress, I am also looking ahead to events like the Tokyo Grand Slam, but I won't be fully satisfied until I win a world championship gold medal.”
Bronze medal contest: Denis Batchaev (RUS) vs Giannis Antoniou (CYP)
Giannis Antoniou struggled to keep up with the energy presented to him by Denis Batchaev, the latter leading the gripping and the movement convincingly. Although Batchaev wasn’t able to score in tachi-waza, he hunted scores on the ground too and claimed an ippon win with an armlock, a situation Antoniou could not escape from.
Bronze medal contest: Martti Puumalainen (FIN) vs Saba Inaneishvili (GEO)
Martti Puumalainen seemed unable to get into the fight, looking out of sorts from the beginning. Saba Inaneishvili, on the other hand, was super-mobile and made space to catch Puumalainen with a neat ashi-waza at the halfway point. From there, the time ticked away and Inaneishvili could be satisfied with his medal-winning performance in Abu Dhabi.
Final (+100 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (+100 kg)
Final Results (+100 kg)
