Mouthwatering gold for Georgii Zantaraia, this is judo

World bronze medallist Georgii ZANTARAIA (UKR) was at his dynamic best in Croatia as he sealed a fine day by besting Qingdao Grand Prix silver medallist Sebastian SEIDL (GER) to win gold. The 2009 world champion was irresistible as he won all five fights by ippon and did not concede a single score including during the final against world number 20 SEIDL.

ZANTARAIA scored a waza-ari to take a significant lead and did not stop there as he finished the contest with osaekomi as SEIDL was overpowered on the ground for 15 seconds. 

In the first semi-final ZANTARAIA progressed at the expense of Tokyo Grand Slam silver medallist Golan POLLACK (ISR) by ippon at which point he became a firm favourite to rule the category and hear his anthem at the end of the day. In the second semi-final the surprise run of world number 78 Sinan SANDAL (TUR) was initially curtailed by Qingdao Grand Prix silver medallist Sebastian SEIDL (GER). SEIDL wrapped up his opponent on the ground with a sankaku-gatame for 20 seconds to advance by ippon.   

The first bronze medal was won by SANDAL who saw off Buenos Aires Pan American silver medallist Nathon BURNS (GBR). Both judoka were aiming for their first IJF World Judo Tour medal and the result went in the favour of the Turkish judoka who scored a waza-ari, the only score of the contest, and finished with three shido penalties to his name. BURNS will not be too dispirited as it’s clearly a matter of time before he’s winning medals on this stage. The second bronze medal went to POLLACK who secured an important domestic and international victory against teammate and Tbilisi Grand Prix silver medallist Baruch SHMAILOV (ISR). POLLACK opened his account for 2015 at his third Grand Prix of the year with three yuko scores going unanswered in a contest which initially lacked vigour before the eventual winner showed willing and was rewarded with the final place on the podium.