The Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam was proving to be an event not to miss; dynamic throws and forceful ne-waza could be seen everywhere throughout the morning session and the medal contests stuck to that theme.
In the final Blandine Pont (FRA) and Khorloodoi Bishrelt (UAE) each knew any mistake could be decisive and so there was a reluctance to fight with any risk. The first shido arrived for each and then a second for Bishrelt but at that point that latter did make a mistake, standing up voluntarily from a ne-waza position in a moment when Pont had the kumi-kata advantage. The French judoka capitalised and threw for a yuko.
Exactly 60 seconds of the fight remained and Point sailed through that time without faltering. This is Blandine Pont’s fifth grand slam gold.
After the final she was open and said, “Since I changed my category last year and came back from a huge knee injury, I have practised harder than ever. I am proud of myself because this year’s success has shown my passion for judo. Although it is only the beginning of a long journey to Los Angeles, I am clear about my goals. My boyfriend, Manuel, told me about the atmosphere in Astana and he was right; the people here love judo and it helps me on the tatami.”
Nandin-Erdine Myagmarsuren (MGL) faced Gultaj Mammadaliyeva (AZA) for the first of the two bronze medals on offer in Kazakhstan. A low o-uchi-gari gave the Mongolian judoka the initial lead, a yuko being enough to separate them. And that was how the scoreline stood right to the final bell. Mongolia already had their third medal of the tournament.
In the second bronze medal contest, Meruyert Sarsenova (KAZ) would do her best to fly the host nation’s flag above the podium. Liliia Nugaeva had no intention of making it easy for her though.
The crowd played their part and did their best to drive Sarsenova towards the podium but it wasn’t to be. In a very close exchange Nugaeva hooked in with an attack and Sarsenova attempted to counter but it didn’t have enough force to change the direction suifficiently and so the yuko was given to Liliia Nugaeva. This was the only score of the fight and so this medal had its new owner.
Final (-52 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-52 kg)
