Peter Paltchik edges out personal hero Varlam Liparteliani

World number six Peter Paltchik of Israel narrowly defeated Olympic silver medallist Varlam Liparteliani (GEO) in a closely contested U100kg final. The Georgian star, who had his family in the crowd waving their country’s unmistakable flag, came up just short in his quest to win the Paris major for a fourth time as he was penalised for diving after being unsuccessful with an uchi-mata attack to hand the title to Israel’s Paltchik.

Liparteliani, who claimed gold here in 2013, 2015 and 2019, rued the outcome but as always kept his cool and congratulated his adversary and showed why he is such a popular champion after 12 years at the summit of the sport.

Paltchik defeated a hero for him in Liparteliani. “He is a great athlete and one of my personal judo heroes. I could only dream about meeting him in the final in Paris and take the victory, he is an excellent fighter.”

In the first semi-final Tel Aviv Grand Prix winner Paltchik defeated world number one Michael Korrel (NED) after the Dutchman was penalised for a gripping infringement during golden score which was his third indiscretion and relegated him to a bronze medal contest.

In the second semi-final Liparteliani held down Ekaterinburg Grand Slam winner Arman Adamian (RUS) for 20 seconds and ippon.

The first bronze medal was won by Adamian who used all his bulk and brute strength to pin down world number eight Shady Elnahas (CAN) for 20 seconds and ippon after the Canadian had failed with a harai-goshi effort.                       

The second bronze medal went to Korrel who dropped under world number 41 and surprise package Bojan Dosen (SRB) after 41 seconds of golden score to earn a waza-ari score and his sixth Grand Slam medal.