Korean An Ba-Ul again unstoppable
The world of judo has resumed its cruising speed and the Grand Slam of Tashkent is a perfectly controlled event, taking place in the best possible conditions. Recent winner of the World Judo Masters in Doha in January, An Baul (KOR) is definitely very fit.
Once again An qualified for the final, after eliminating his compatriot Kim Limhwan in the semi-final. To compete for gold, An was opposed to Yondonperenlei Baskhuu (MGL), third in the Paris Grand Slam last year, but the Korean was definitely the stronger athlete and won the gold medal.
Finalist of the Tel Aviv Grand Prix in 2020, before it became a grand slam this season, Kazak Yerlan Serikzhanov was up against Aram Grigoryan of Russia, third in the last World Judo Masters, for his first access to the podium. The first bronze medal went to Grigoryan, with the result showing clearly but differently on the faces of the two athletes.
The audience was able to raise their voices again, in the second bronze medal match, with the presence of Sardor Nurillaev (UZB), ready to battle against Kim Limhwan (KOR) and in jubilant Uzbek style the noise level rose massively with the victory of the home crowd favourite, Sardor Nurillaev.
Result | City | Date |
---|---|---|
2 | Paris | 30 Jul |
1 | Abu Dhabi | 21 May |
1 | Zagreb | 26 Apr |
3 | Belgrade | 2023 |
2 | Montpellier | 2023 |