Tel Aviv Grand Slam 2023Israel

-66 kg: Margvelashvili Wins with Explosiveness

Feb 16, 2023
by: Nicolas Messner
Gabriela Sabau, Tamara Kulumbegashvili
The Israeli public was expecting a new feat from Baruch Shmailov (ISR) who won the World Judo Masters in December, producing powerful and explosive judo. Unfortunately for him and despite being the top seed, he lost in the second round to Lasha Nadiradze, ranked a distant 354th in the world before the start of the tournament. In the semi-finals, the Georgian could not do anything against Orkhan Safarov (AZE), who although not the number one seed of the tournament, became a serious contender for the title.
Final, Orkhan SAFAROV (AZE) vs Vazha MARGVELASHVILI (GEO)
Final, Orkhan SAFAROV (AZE) vs Vazha MARGVELASHVILI (GEO)

In the second part of the draw, Vazha Margvelashvili (GEO), did not worry about minor details and won through to find Safarov in the final.

Gold medallist, Vazha MARGVELASHVILI (GEO)
Gold medallist, Vazha MARGVELASHVILI (GEO)

With two explosive judoka on the tatami, the final promised to be a firework of techniques and this was actually the case. Safarov was the first to score with a combination of o-soto-gari and tani-otoshi but Margvelashvili scored as well to keep the flame alive. It was time for golden score. 1 minute and 15 seconds into extra time, Margvelashvili doubled his score with a second waza-ari from a superb yoko-tomoe-nage. We said that it would be explosive and it was.

Baruch Shmailov (ISR) still had a chance to get on the podium as he faced Alberto Gaitero Martin (ESP) for the bronze medal. Unfortunately for Shmailov, as he applied a kansetsu-waza technique in a standing position, combined with a throwing technique, he was disqualified.

Bronze medallist, Alberto GAITERO MARTIN (ESP)
Bronze medallist, Alberto GAITERO MARTIN (ESP)
Bronze medallist, Lasha NADIRADZE (GEO)
Bronze medallist, Lasha NADIRADZE (GEO)

Israel could still take a bronze medal, with Tal Flicker (ISR) opposing Lasha Nadiradze (GEO) for the second medal. After more than 5 minutes of golden score both athletes were still looking for the slightest opportunity to score. On one side Tal Flicker was looking to end the match with left o-soto-gari on the rear leg and right-seoi-nage, Lasha Nadiradze was looking for the counterattack and it was the Georgian who won with a very low yoko-guruma for waza-ari. It was bronze for newcomer Lasha Nadiradze.

Medal cheques and flowers were presented by Mr Michael MICHAELY, Chairman of CEDCO Hungary and Mr Avi CARMEL, Board Member of the Israeli Judo Association
Medal cheques and flowers were presented by Mr Michael MICHAELY, Chairman of CEDCO Hungary and Mr Avi CARMEL, Board Member of the Israeli Judo Association

Competition Results

-66 kg

Final

Orkhan SAFAROV
AZE
vs
Vazha MARGVELASHVILI
GEO

Bronze Medal Contests

Baruch SHMAILOV
ISR
vs
Alberto GAITERO MARTIN
ESP
Tal FLICKER
ISR
vs
Lasha NADIRADZE
GEO
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