The second day of the Tbilisi Grand Slam delivered thrilling judo action. Lasha Shavdatuashvili electrified the home crowd with gold at -73kg, while Canada’s Beauchemin-Pinard, Hungary’s Ozbas, and Turkey’s Albayrak also claimed titles.
ADVERTISEMENTThe beautiful city of Tbilisi played host to the second day of their judo grand slam!
Georgian heroes stepped up to give their fans a huge amount to cheer for as the public filled the stadium to the rafters.
At -63kg, it was Canada’s Beauchemin-Pinard who put on a show. Going ahead early against France’s Deketer, she held on to take a gold medal at her first tournament since the Olympics. Ambassador for France in Georgia, H.E. Sheraz GASRI, was on hand to award the medals.
All eyes were on -73kg. 2012 Olympic Champion Lasha Shavdataushvili was on completely unstoppable form. The triple Olympic medallist always performs on home soil and today was no different. Sending the crowd into ecstasy, he took the first gold for Georgian men in Tbilisi this year. He was awarded his medals by Georgia Minister of Sport, Mr Shalva GOGOLADZE.
At -70kg Hungary’s Szofi Ozbas took on Olympic medallist Sanne Van Dijke.
Having recently moved from -63kg Ozbas fought brilliantly to overcome a distinct size difference, and take the gold. She was absolutely delighted.
She was awarded her medal by Georgian Judo Federation President Mr Levan NOZADZE.
Vedat Albyrak put on a dominant performance to take gold at -81kg. After going behind, Albayrak dug deep to get a waza-ari score and hold on to take the title here.
The medals were awarded by Georgia State Security Service Deputy Head Mr Shengeli PITSKHELAURI.
There is never a shortage of action in Tbilisi, and never a shortage of medals for the home team. On top of the 2 golds they’ve had so far they have also taken some hard earned bronzes in dramatic fashion!
The combination of fantastic judo and passionate fans makes Tbilisi an incredibly exciting stop on the IJF’s World Judo Tour. Don’t miss the heavyweights tomorrow.