Sergiu Toma learned to win tactically
World Judo Masters bronze medallist Sergiu Toma (UAE) won his fourth Grand Prix gold medal as he defeated Tyumen Grand Slam winner Ivan Vorobev (RUS) in the -81kg final. Toma edged ahead with a yuko from a sumi-gaeshi and, after an initial response of attacking flurries, Vorobev ran out of ideas at the crucial moment while Toma had plenty in reserve.
In the first semi-final former Astana Grand Prix bronze medallist Aziz Kalkamanuly (KAZ) lost out to Vorobev while in the second semi-final TOMA beat Zagreb Grand Prix silver medallist Csoknyai Laszlo (HUN) by ippon after two minutes.
The first bronze medal was won by Zagreb Grand Prix silver medallist Csoknyai who denied former Tbilisi Grand Prix bronze medallist Asaf Chen (ISR) by a single shido. The second bronze medal was clinched by Kalkamanuly who defeated Vladimir Zoloev (KGZ) who was fifth at the Asian Championships this year. Zoloev, 22, who won Junior World bronze back in 2011, was penalised with a shido for going out before Kalkamanuly produced a waza-ari score to which his opponent could only respond with by registering a yuko.
Result | City | Date |
---|---|---|
2 | Paris | 30 Jul |
1 | Abu Dhabi | 21 May |
1 | Zagreb | 26 Apr |
3 | Belgrade | 2023 |
2 | Montpellier | 2023 |