News
Home » Judo news
The latest Judo News offered by JudoInside.com
Big clashes in the Hague with 242 men lined-up
15 Nov 2018 15:55

A total of 242 men will be fighting for 7 gold medals at the Grand Prix of The Hague. With World Champions Saeid Mollaei (IRI) and Nikoloz Sherazadishvili (ESP) in the field and some of last year’s winners, the Grand Prix of Holland moves one and almost doubled the participants.
The category for men U81kg is the most crowded with 45 athletes including not just Saeid Mollaei, but also Dutchman Frank de Wit, with both World Ranking leaders separated in the draw. A tough field with World bronze medallist Alexander Wieczerzak and Dominic Ressel (GER) who did so well at the World Championships and Abu Dhabi winner and European Champion Sagi Muki (ISR).
The U73kg division will also be strong with Abu Dhabi finallists Lasha Shavdatuashvili (GEO) and Akil Gjakova (KOS) in the top of the line-up as seeded players, in addition to a group of strong Russians and experienced veterans Miki Ungvari, Dirk van Tichelt in the field. Both weight categories can be viewed on Saturday.
On the opening day on Friday 31 men U60kg including Grand Prix Cancun winner Tornike Tsjakadoea (NED) who might face Francisco Garrigos (ESP) again, the number one seed in the quarter final. Garrigos defeated the Dutchman last year in The Hague but in Cancun it was Tsjakadoea who overcame the former Junior World Champion. Tsjakadoea is in the pool with Abu Dhabi fifth Jorre Verstraeten of Belgium as well. Watch the Russians in this category on Friday.
U66kg delivered Georgian Vazha Margvelashvili as frontrunner of this category. Dzmitry Minkou can be a stone in his shoe on his way to the semi final. Interesting is the return of Davaadorj Tumurkhuleg (MGL) and see if he can deal with Zelimkhan Ozdoev (RUS) as warm-up contest. Tal Flicker (ISR) is perhaps the favourite in this division. With Baruch Shmailov he might qualify for the semi final. But Shmailov is in a tougher pool including Junior World Champion Manuel Lombardo (ITA).
World Champion Nikoloz Sherazadishvili and last year’s winner and former World #1 Aleksandar Kukolj (SRB) are in the line up in The Hague. Sherazadishvili is in one pool with Noël van ‘t End (NED). Rafael Macedo is in shape and just won the World Military title in Rio, also Kukolj just returned with bronze. Macedo is in a pool with last year’s revelation Jesper Smink (NED).
The Dutch crowd will enjoy the return of Michael Korrel, maybe not yet in optimal shape coming back from a knee injury and obviously in a tough pool C with Cyrille Maret (FRA). Peter Paltchik won the Grand Slam in Abu Dhabi and will face last year’s bronze medallist in The Hague Jelle Snippe in pool D’s second round. Pool A includes Varlam Liparteliani but also the strong Cancun winner Niiaz Bilalov (RUS) in an amazing pool where also Dutchman Simeon Catharina wants to reach the quarter final. The finalist will probably come from this pool, perhaps even the winner.
Just 14 men in the heavyweight category but the quality makes it all even with last year’s winner Roy Meyer defending the title. Two experienced men in Henk Grol and Alexander Mikhailine in a first round classic clash. Typical heavyweights in the top half of the pool with Maciej Sarnacki and Faicel Jaballah and Vladut Simeonescu as big fellows. For sure this will deliver a few smashing ippons.
Related judoka and events
Related Judo Photos
Related Judo Videos
Related Judo News

Teddy Riner back on gold course after fourth Masters title
At the last day of the Doha World Judo Masters the heavyweight came in action with a top field and the eyes are all on Big Teddy t see if he can regain his dominance of the last decade. Despite a slip in Paris, the big man from France was poised to win his fourth Masters title, but enough competition in Doha for him. Riner lost twenty kilos and showed the desire to be the undisputed number one again. Read more

Paris Grand Slam Review
The Paris Gram Slam always meets the expectations. Each year it is guaranteed fireworks. The French know how to create an amazing environment, supported by their locals and enjoying themselves in every match. Besides great ippons and unforgettable contests, the Paris Grand Slam always brings huge surprises and this year was not an exception. Read more

Henk Grol stuns to second Paris gold with 9 year gap
World number seven Henk Grol of the Netherlands ripped up the script and forced the rows of journalists to rewrite their fleeting headlines after beating World Judo Masters bronze medallist Kageura Kokoro (JPN) to win heavyweight gold. It was in 2011 that Henk Grol captured the Paris gold but then in his class U100kg. Aged 34 he seems to be on course for a place in Tokyo. Read more

Hisayoshi Harasawa knocks on the door for Olympic gold
Olympic silver medallist Harasawa Hisayoshi (JPN) was crowned the World Judo Masters heavyweight champion after the eagerly-awaited +100kg final could not take place because Olympic and world champion Lukas Krpalek (CZE) was ruled out due to back pain. Harasawa is seen as Japan’s leading heavyweight and the current front-runner for the Tokyo berth but April’s All Japan Openweight Championships will have a bearing on the selection for next summer. Read more

Guram Tushishvili destroyed 4 opponents within 5 minutes
Guram Tushishvili again proved to be the strongest judoka in the world. He keeps growing and with by retaining his European title, the Georgian is lined up for more success at the World Championships. The European competitors seemed to dominate in the world’s heavyweight category. Read more
27
days
Judo birthday

Olivia Spellman (GBR)
23 years
Result | City | Date |
---|---|---|
1 | Düsseldorf | 2020 |
2 | Osaka | 2019 |
1 | Tokyo | 2019 |
1 | Tokyo | 2019 |
1 | Hohhot | 2019 |
Result | City | Date |
---|---|---|
1 | Düsseldorf | 2020 |
1 | Osaka | 2019 |
1 | Tokyo | 2019 |
3 | Tokyo | 2019 |
2 | Fukuoka | 2019 |