Undefeated Uta Abe faces European opposition at Grand Slam Antalya

The Abe siblings are poised to capture the spotlight once again, with Hifumi maintaining an impeccable record since the 2019 Tokyo World Championships and Uta extending her own winning streak from the same year, her only loss dating back to the grand slam in Osaka in 2019.

On the first day of competition in Antalya, Uta Abe, seeded 4th in the -52 kg category, finds herself on Giuffrida's side of the draw. While she may not hold the number one spot yet, the odds seem stacked in her favor, painting a picture of her atop the podium even before the event begins.

Every judoka in the category is meticulously studying the Japanese judo style, from grip techniques to final execution. However, Uta's nearly flawless victory record poses a formidable challenge. Could Chelsie Giles (GBR), known for her prowess in ne-waza, find success with her sankaku? The initial hurdle lies in getting Abe to the ground safely, given her razor-sharp technique and swift entries, leaving little room for maneuvering on the mat. Even if an opportunity presents itself, it would likely need to be capitalized on pre-tachi-waza-ippon, a feat that seems improbable.

At the 2022 Tashkent World Championships, Chelsie Giles (GBR) did not have the opportunity to showcase her ground skills.

Meanwhile, Odette Giuffrida (ITA), a double Olympic medallist herself, may strategically utilize her expertise in the semi-final, employing rule nuances to counter Abe's dominant mid-lapel grip and attempt to gain an advantage. Watch for these strategic moves on the opening day of the Grand Slam in Antalya.