Makhmadbekov and Lavrentev battle for a spot in Paris

Day 2 of the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam 2024 sees a fierce battle for supremacy at the -73kg category, with familiar faces from last year's podium aiming to assert their dominance once again. Reigning champion Makhmadbek Makhmadbekov (AIN) returns as the second seed, boasting a string of bronze medals from prestigious events since his victory in 2023. However, he faces stiff competition from the emerging talent Danil Lavrentev (AIN), seeded third, who has been on an impressive streak with three consecutive major medals.

Adam Stodolski (POL), the silver medallist from 2023, seeks redemption as the eighth seed after a dry spell on the WJT podium. Meanwhile, local favorite Daniyar Shamshayev (KAZ) aims to capitalize on home advantage and replicate or surpass his bronze medal performance from last year.

Former world champion Tsogtbaatar Tsend-Ochir (MGL) returns to the World Judo Tour after a hiatus, seeded seventh and holding the last direct Olympic qualification spot. With teammate Erdenebayar Batzaya trailing closely behind in the rankings, Tsend-Ochir faces pressure to maintain his position with a strong showing in Astana.

Top seed Manuel Lombardo (ITA), the 2023 world silver medallist, seeks to bolster his Olympic ranking with a standout performance in the tournament.

Outside the seeded contenders, watch out for surprises from Paris Grand Slam 2024 silver medallist Giorgi Chikhelidze (GEO) and the Kazakh duo of Darkhan Koibagar and Bakhitzhan Abdurakhmanov. Koibagar impressed with a bronze in Dushanbe, while Abdurakhmanov has a proven track record with a bronze at the Zagreb Grand Prix 2023.