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Denis Vieru wins Moldova’s first Grand Prix title

Denis Vieru wins Moldova’s first Grand Prix title

5 Apr 2019 19:30
Mark Pickering - IJF
IJF Gabriela Sabau / International Judo Federation

Paris Grand Slam winner Denis Vieru of oldova made history for Moldova as he beat three-time world silver medallist Mikhail Puliaev (RUS) to win the U66kg final. Puliaev received his third shido and marching orders after three minutes of golden score after he grabbed the leg of his opponent to give Vieru and his country their first gold medal on the Grand Prix stage.

In the first semi-final Tbilisi Grand Prix bronze medallist Bagrati Niniashvili (GEO) was disqualified after picking up three penalties against Puliaev with the final infringement being for a false attack. In the second semi-final Vieru defeated world number 13 Ganbold Kherlen (MGL) with 36 seconds left on the clock by ippon.

The first bronze medal was won by Tel Aviv Grand Prix bronze medallist Alberto Gaitero Martin (ESP) as Ganbold stepped out of the area for his third shido and held his ribs as he looked off the pace in the final block.

The second bronze medal went to Niniashvili after one-time Grand Slam winner Abdula Abdulzhalilov (RUS) was penalised with his third shido for passivity in golden score to send the 20-year-old Georgian onto the podium.