Finalist in Paris two weeks ago, Japan’s Hisayoshi Harasawa (+100 kg) did not miss the last step at the Dusseldorf Grand Slam (February22-24). The World bronze medalist defeated Dutchman Henk Grol in the semi-finals before inflicting in the final a magnificent Ippon (Uchi-Mata) in 90 seconds to Russia’s Tasoev, the Abu Dhabi winner.
In -90 kg, Russia’s Mikhail Igolnikov has beautifully emerged from a fire table. In the first round, he dominated former World champion and three-times European champion, Georgia’s Avdantili Tchrikishvili, before exiting another former World champion, France’s Loic Pietri in the 2nd round.
Surprised by Japan’s Murao in the quarter-finals, Mikhail Igolnikov then beat the reigning World champion, Spain’s Sherazadishvili and Serbia’s Kukolj (Ippon on O Soto Gari) in the repechage to finish in bronze.
In -73 kg, Georgia’s Lasha Shavdatuashvili lost in the quarter-finals to Russia’s Mogushkov (Waza) before beating Germany’s Zingg and Tajikistan’s Makhmadbekov in repechage to win a bronze medal, his 3rd onr after the Guangzhou Masters and the Paris Grand Slam.
In women, France’s Audrey Tcheumeo (-78 kg) reached the semi finals where she lost against Germany’s Wagner (immobilization). She then lost in the repechage final against Austria’s Graf after 3 penalties for passivity.
