The last day of the Antalya Grand Slam came to a decisive conclusion, with the stadium packed with excited judo fans ready for another day of action.
At less than 90kg, it was Cuban world silver medalist Ivan Felipe Silva Morales who beat young Georgian Luka Maisuradze in an extremely close exchange, earning him his first-ever Grand Slam gold medal.
He received his medals by IJF vice president and president of the African Judo Union Mr. Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko
“I think it was a good day for me. Yesterday I had a good day in training, my head was focused on the competition and I was lucky too,” explained Morales.
After an incredibly tough contest in the -78kg final that lasted over 10 minutes, World Champion Anna Maria Wagner dug deep to execute this Ura Nage-worthy highlight. But with real Judo values, she shared a moment of friendship with her opponent Steenhuis. A powerful counter to the Olympic bronze medalist, judo at its best.
She received her medals from the IJF General Treasurer, Mr. Naser Al Tamimi.
“I’m so happy and so proud of myself,” Wagner said. “After that day, it was a wonderful Ippon, I think.”
The under 100kg final was a battle everyone had been waiting for – two world champions battling it out for a gold medal. But it was reigning world champion Jorge Fonseca who proved that the under 100kg category is still his category, and again, a great show of sportsmanship and respect at the end of their contest.
He received his medals from the IJF Events Director, Dr Lisa Allan.
In the over 78 kg, the Frenchman Fontaine stood up to the Israeli Hershko for the gold medal.
The medals were presented by the Director of Chief Referees of the IJF, Mr. Florin Daniel Lascau.
Georgia’s Guram Tushishvili won his fourth Grand Slam title at over 100kg – incredible persistence after falling behind in the score. The former world champion showed his determination.
The medals were handed over by the IJF Director of Chief Referees, Mr. Armen Bagdasarov.
Antalya again saw the Turkish team in full force, with a mix of young and seasoned athletes, warming up as a team – their unity was clear from the start.
Their strength was evident in all aspects of their judo, their standing techniques, as well as their submission and pins, showing how rapidly the popularity of judo is growing in Turkey, a product of this high profile event.
The beautiful city of Antalya says goodbye to judo for this year. The whole Judo family is looking forward to returning to Antalya in 2023.
