Beslan Mudranov takes victory in Abu Dhabi

Russian lightweight Beslan Mudranov became the winner of the Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi when he overcame Sharafuddin Lutfillaev (UZB). After defeating the Olympic champion, Lutfillaev seemed to be able to take the gold but after a missed sumi-gaeshi attack, Mudranov took to opportunity to immobilise his opponent for a well-deserved ippon.

The first bronze medal of the category was won by Orkhan Safarov (AZE), who was opposed to Tobias Englmaier (GER). In the second bronze medal fight, one waza-ari obtained with a low tai-otoshi was enough for the Olympic champion, Arsen Galstyan (RUS, to win the bronze against the Brazilian Diego Santos. To be an Olympic Champion does not mean that you have the guarantee to win a Grand Prix.

That is what Arsen Galstyan (RUS) discovered today in Abu Dhabi. After a first strong win against Valentin Rota (SUI), the Russian, was defeated by Sharafuddin Lutfillaev (UZB), who immobilised him for ippon, having already scored a waza-ari. Nevertheless, in the first half of the draw, top seeded athlete, Beslan Mudranov (RUS), was able to represent Russia in the final. In semi-final, he defeated Diego Santos from Brazil. Galstyan having lost the second half of the draw was open for Sharafuddin Lutfillaev (UZB), who confirmed his good condition by winning the semi-final against the German Tobias Englmaier (GER).