Tommy Macias is Swedens next world level ace

Swedish new ace Tommy Macias hit the medal trail once again on the IJF World Judo Tour as he upstaged world number one and Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist Rustam Orujov of Azerbaijan. 23-Year old Zagreb Grand Prix silver medallist Macias, showed that his silver medal in Croatia was a stepping stone and a sign of things to come as many pondered whether he could repeat that medal or it would be a one-off.

The Swedish judoka was the highlight in the talent-rich U73kg category as he won a tremendous contest as both judoka left everything on the tatami. Every Swede and every Azeri in the building were on their feet while neutral fans were glued to the action as Macias showed his character by coming from a yuko down to defeat one of the most consistent performers in judo in Orujov who was caught with a low ko-soto-gake for a waza-ari score.

In the first semi-final Orujov denied former world bronze medallist Victor Scvortov (UAE) as he won by a yuko score while in the second semi-final Tyumen Grand Slam winner Musa Mogushkov (RUS) was ousted by Macias (SWE) who took control of his Russian rival and drove him over for ippon with a clever counter.

The first bronze medal was won by Mogushkov who defeated 21-year-old Ulaanbaatar Grand Prix bronze medallist Fagan Guluzada (AZE). The Azeri youngster was competing for a Grand Slam medal for the first time and it showed as he looked tentative while Mogushkov looked at ease. A committed ashi-waza attack from Guluzada sent the Russian towards the tatami but he turned out and then filled the role of the attacker himself. Mogushkov adopted a low posture and executed a neat turnover from which the Azeri spun out by using his head as a pivot and bridged and the Russian was awarded the maximum score.  

The second bronze medal went to Scvortov who required added time to beat the resolute Tallinn European Open silver medallist Sam Van ‘t Westende (NED). The crowd applauded the spirited endeavours of their fighter who rewarded them in golden score as he produced a sensational yoko-tomoe-nage for a yuko score to give the hosts their first medal on home soil. ‘UAE’ chants rung out around the IPIC Arena as Scvortov revelled in the ovation and applauded his fans.