Canadian battle continues in Tbilisi

What a journey these two women have embarked on. The rivalry continues for Canadian middleweights Christa Deguchi and Jessica Klimkait, who hold the top two spots in the world ranking and seeding list for the Grand Slam in Tbilisi. In 2021, Deguchi clinched the gold in the Georgian capital, while last year, Klimkait emerged as the title defender.

In the extensive history of this tournament, even before the IJF Tour commenced in 2009, a Georgian contender triumphed in this division: Ia Zguladze secured victory in 1999 when the event was a World Cup.

This year, with Eteri Liparteliani, the home crowd harbors high expectations. The quarter-final match is likely to pit Liparteliani against Milica Perisic of Serbia, who ranks one spot above her in the World Ranking List at number 8. Although Liparteliani faces more pressure and stakes, she has the potential to secure a spot in the semi-final against Christa Deguchi if she can maintain her composure.

Klimkait finds herself on a different side of the battlefield but will confront the surprise contender and finallist from the Grand Prix Upper Austria in Linz, Julie Beurskens of the Netherlands, who is eager to qualify for Paris. However, Klimkait's experience typically gives her the edge. Another formidable opponent for Klimkait in the semi-finals could be world champion and former Olympic champion Rafaela Silva, who claimed victory in the tournament during her illustrious year in 2016.