Pole position for Israel’s persevering Peter Paltchik

Israelian Peter Paltchik won U100kg gold for Israel as a new Grand Prix winner was crowned in Cancun. World number 27 and Bucharest European Open bronze medallist Paltchik, evaded a trademark uchi-mata from world number 28 Fletcher before throwing with a drop seoi-nage with 14 seconds left on the clock.

Both judoka gave a great account of themselves all day long as they made a mockery of their rankings to impress and should both be called upon for the World Championships in August.

In the first semi-final Fletcher submitted former world silver medallist Jose Armenteros (CUB) having thrown the Cuban judoka with a ura-nage for a waza-ari. In the second semi-final Paltchik catapulted Abu Dhabi Grand Slam silver medallist Luciano Correa (BRA) through the air with a majestic sode-tsurikomi-goshi which ended the opening session on Sunday in style.

The first bronze medal was won by Pan American Championships silver medallist Andy Granda (CUB) with a neat foot sweep which brought down Correa for ippon. Correa is a good scalp and name on the resume of the Cuban judoka who won his first Grand Prix hardware.              

The second bronze medal was won by Abu Dhabi Grand Slam bronze medallist Philip Awiti-Alcaraz (GBR) as Armenteros could not take part due to an arm injury sustained in his semi-final loss at the hands of Fletcher. Awiti-Alcaraz, who started judo with his siblings at Enfield Judo Club, has made great strides in the post-Olympic phase and could be in contention for Worlds selection after another performance that showed off his vast potential.