Ultimate qualification battle: Gviniashvili vs Tchrikishvili

It has been a difficult year for Georgian judo so far in 2018, however in the category U90kg the federation now have a luxury problem. For the World Championships two athletes will be sent to Baku. Given the bronze medal at the World Championships Ushangi Margiani secured his spot in the team. Ushangi confirmed his form with bronze in Tokyo and silver at the Grand Prix in Budapest.

The second spot will be a choice between Beka Gviniashvili and Avtandili Tchikishvili. On Sunday at the European Cup in Bratislava both strong men will fight for the gold medal. Both players aren’t seeded for this European Cup but will for sure show their best in Slovakia.

Gviniashvili who came back from U100kg to his old category U90kg has never been successful at World Championships but won six World Tour events and took silver at the Grand Slam in Paris this year. Still he is not considered in shape so far this year.

Avtandili Tchrikishvili had a difficult period stepping up from U81kg to U90kg and the 2014 World Champion U81kg failed to qualify for the Olympic Games in Rio and was not able to get back to his old level. However slowly he built up his shape and in July he won the Grand Prix in Zagreb, quite surprisingly. It got him back into the game.

The Georgian Judo Federation preferred a fair game between the two judo idols. Bratislava will be decisive for the second position in Baku.

World number three Beka Gviniashvili is obviously the favourite given his position compared to Tchrikishvili being 51 of the world. But it’s Tchrikishvili having the confidence and shape.

Gviniashvili is in pool B opposed to James Reid (GBR) and should be able to reach the semi final. Tchrikishvili is fighting in pool C and will be fighting against Martin Huszar (HUN) as first opponent. The total field of 38 judoka is not too strong and if they want to be successful in Baku, reaching the semi finals is what should be the minimum performance. Who will win this battle, share with us on our social media.