Spanish Martin Gaitero surprises Paris winner Vieru
Spaniard Alberto Gaitero Martin won his first IJF gold medal in style as he bested Paris Grand Slam winner Denis Vieru (MDA) with a sumptuous ippon-seoi-nage. Gaitero Martin, who won their previous meeting at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam last year, was victorious once again as he upset the Moldovan who was unsuccessful in his bid for a fourth IJF title in 2019.
In the first semi-final Vieru held down four-time Grand Prix winner Davaadorj Tumurkhuleg (MGL) and the Mongolian elected to tap out and concede the contest. In the second semi-final Antalya Grand Prix bronze medallist Gaitero bested former Asian Championships bronze medallist Mukhriddin Tilovov (UZB) by a waza-ari score.
The first bronze medal was won by Ekaterinburg Grand Slam winner Kilian Le Blouch (FRA) after a below-par Tilovov was disqualified after both men were penalised for passivity 50 seconds into added time.
The second bronze medal went to Davaadorj after the in-form Montreal and Budapest Grand Prix winner Ganbold Kherlen (MGL) was penalised for the third time after stepping out of the contest area.
Result | City | Date |
---|---|---|
2 | Paris | 30 Jul |
1 | Abu Dhabi | 21 May |
1 | Zagreb | 26 Apr |
3 | Belgrade | 2023 |
2 | Montpellier | 2023 |