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Israelian anthem in Abu Dhabi after gold Sagi Muki

Israelian anthem in Abu Dhabi after gold Sagi Muki

28 Oct 2018 19:30
by Mark Pickering - IJF
IJF Media Team / International Judo Federation

European champion Sagi Muki (ISR) won Grand Slam gold for the second time and soaked up every second of joy and emotion following the U81kg final against Zagreb Grand Prix silver medallist Matthias Casse (BEL). Muki, who previously registered Grand Slam in Baku in 2014, won their first meeting on his way to the European crown at home in April and was again superior to the former Junior World Championships winner.

Casse secured his first Grand Slam honour despite the defeat which came after nine seconds of added time from a waza-ari score.

In the first semi-final Casse defeated world champion Saeid Mollaei (IRI) who had to withdraw to due sustaining a twisted ankle in his previous contest. In the second semi-final Cancun Grand Prix bronze medallist Frank De Wit (NED) was undone by Muki from a gargantuan makikomi effort for ippon.

The first bronze medal was won by De Wit who saw off Minsk European Open silver medallist Etienne Briand (CAN) by a single waza-ari score.                                                

The second bronze medal went to Asian Games winner Didar Khamza (KAZ) as the injured Mollaei could not compete and had to settle for fifth-place.