Anticipated clashes between Casse and Grigalashvili again possible

The excitement is palpable for day three of the Abu Dhabi World Championships 2024, as the judo community eagerly awaits the contests in the -81kg and -63kg categories. With defending champions and top-ranked athletes vying to maintain their dominance, the matches promise to be thrilling.

In the men's -81kg category, all eyes are on Matthias Casse (BEL) and Tato Grigalashvili (GEO). These two judokas, ranked first and second in the world, have a history of dramatic encounters, with their most recent clash at the 2023 World Championships ending in victory for Grigalashvili. Fresh off a European title win in Zagreb, Grigalashvili is in top form. Similarly, Casse has had a stellar year, winning both the Tashkent and Paris Grand Slams, and is ready for a rematch.

Adding to the intrigue is Zelim Tckaev (AZE), who joined Casse on the podiums of Paris and Tokyo. His presence as the only other European representative in the top eight makes him a key contender. Outside the seeded positions, talent abounds with double European Champion Vedat Albayrak (TUR) and Antonio Esposito (ITA) poised to make an impact.

Frank De Wit (NED) has shown remarkable form, reaching the final of the European Championships against Grigalashvili. Meanwhile, Wachid Borchashvili (AUT), who recently took silver in Dushanbe, will be the sole Borchashvili competing in this category. Alpha Oumar Djalo (FRA) also poses a significant threat and, being from the host nation, has an automatic entry to the Paris Olympics despite not being in a qualification position.

Women's -63kg: Agbegnenou's Quest for Another Title

The women's -63kg category will feature legendary judoka Clarisse Agbegnenou (FRA), a six-time world champion making her way back to the top after starting a family. Currently seeded among the top eight, her journey to reclaim her title is highly anticipated. The key contest is against 2022 World Champion Megumi Horikawa (JPN).

Top seeds Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard (CAN) and Katharina Haecker (AUS) lead the group with their impressive ne-waza skills. The European contingent remains strong with Laura Fazliu (KOS), Gili Sharir (ISR), Joanne Van Lieshout (NED), Andreja Leski (SLO), and Angelica Szymanska (POL), all having achieved significant results in the past year.

Not to be overlooked are formidable competitors just outside the top seeds. Lucy Renshall (GBR) has recovered from injury and is ready to compete, while Lubjana Piovesana (AUT) has been in excellent form, recently winning her second Grand Slam gold in Dushanbe. Croatia's Katarina Kristo and Iva Oberan also pose threats, with Kristo's recent Grand Slam win in Kazakhstan positioning her well, though Oberan could shake things up with a medal in Abu Dhabi.

With the Paris Olympic Games on the horizon, the stakes are high for many athletes in Abu Dhabi. Securing a top finish here not only brings world championship glory but also vital points and momentum towards Olympic qualification. The third day of the Abu Dhabi World Championships 2024 promises to be unmissable. Fans and competitors alike will be watching closely as the world's best judokas showcase their skills and determination in pursuit of glory.