Tough choices in Georgian selection for Worlds in Budapest

No Tchrikishvili, no Matiashvili, no Chkhvimiani, no Tatalashvili in the selection of the Georgian mens team for the World Championships. The Georgians did choose to send two heavyweights instead of two lightweights or U81kg choices. Between Okruashvili and Matiashvili the more experienced fighter was preferred, but both failed this weekend to give a good outlook for the World Championships. Guram Tushishvili was obviously unrivalled in the selection.

For many, Avtandili Tchrikishvili will be missed, but in this moment it is a logical choice to take Margiani U90kg alongside Gviniashvili. Tchrikishvili wasn't impressive last weekend in Minsk. Although World No. 13 Lukhumi Chkhvimiani could have had a place in the selection instead of Margiani or Okruashvili, the nine athletes will certainly be medal candidates. U81kg sensation Rekhviashvili was for sure a choice on the team, but Nugzari Tatalashvili proved to get in shape slowly this weekend with silver in Minsk. Varlam Liparteliani is not yet at his best but the ease to win matches is impressive. His technique, experience, and gripping always make him a medal candidate. In U90kg Liparteliani won three consecutive World Championships medals.

Gviniashvili, who is back U90kg became European U23 champion last year in his ‘old and new’ category. He won the Grand Prix in Düsseldorf and took bronze at the European Championships in Warsaw. The show must go on, also without some of the former Georgian stars. Lasha Shavdatuashvili starts U73kg and Vazha Margvelashvili U66kg are fixed values in the team. Three women U57kg, U70kg and heavyweight were added, exactly in the categories for the mixed team event.