FInal: Sukhrob Boqiev (BRN) vs Iago Abuladze (RUS)
An acrobatic display of judo and athletic ability characterised this final, both athletes able to escape from the most certain-looking attacks. Boqiev made one attack stick at the 60-second mark, a huge hip throw from which Abuladze spun on to his side to reduce a potential ippon to just a yuko.
Abuladze then unleashed a barrage of entries, all opposed perfectly by Boqiev. Right up to the gong, there was no telling if the equaliser would come but in the end it did not. Boqiev delivered a thrilling performance in Abu Dhabi to earn his first grand slam medal, a truly stylish win!
After the final Boqiev spoke emphatically, “I want to say thank you to everyone who supported and cheered for me. This is my first grand slam medal and straight away it’s my first gold; I am very glad for that! I was ranked outside the top 200 today, so how special it is to come here and show I am so much better than that!”
Bronze medal contest: Ruslan Pashayev (AZE) vs Iskander Mahmadkhojazoda (TJK)
After little more than a minute of contest time, Mahmadkhojazoda shocked Pashayev by throwing him for a waza-ari for an excellently timed ko-uchi-gari. Having to play catch-up had not been on his itinerary for the final block but he had to adapt to his new situation.
Pressuring his opponent may not have been the best response as Mahmadkhojazoda was happy to turn in and attack under Pashayev’s grip, stopping him from being able to attack himself. The Tajik judoka was calm, professional and confident, claiming his first grand slam medal. His place at 163rd in the world ranking didn’t stop this 21-year-old from achieving his goal.
Bronze medal contest: Rashad Yelkiyev (AZE) vs Dilshodbek Hamroyev (UZB)
From the beginning a stalemate was clear; attacks, defence, cautious gripping exchanges and little to separate them. They began to collect penalties, first one and then two each, leading to a precarious last minute. It was almost inevitable that the medal would be won via the fewest mistakes and in this instance a false attack from Hamroyev concluded proceedings. Rashad Yelkiyev had his medal!.
Final (-66 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-66 kg)
