With the elimination of the favourite, the draw opened for an underdog. It was Erlan Sherov (KGZ) who benefited the most by qualifying for the final at the expense of Mansur Lorsanov (AIN) in the semi-final.
After a victory in the first round, it was Mikhail Igolnikiv (AIN) who made the best impression at the bottom of the draw. He then benefitted from the absence of former world champion, Nemanja Majdov (SRB), before winning against the 2021 junior world champion, Peter Safrany (HUN). In the semi-finals, Igolnikov beat Komronshokh Ustopiryon (TJK).
An impressive Grand Slam gold #5 for Mikhail Igolnikov 👌🏼#JudoUlaanbaatar #Judo #Ulaanbaatar #Mongolia #Sport #OlympicQualifiers #RoadToParis2024 #WJT #Olympics pic.twitter.com/Hm2jZ38alZ
— Judo (@Judo) June 25, 2023
After a tactical contest and three penalties given to Sherov, Igolnikov won the gold medal.
Alexis Mathieu (FRA), author of a great competition, faced Komronshokh Ustopiryon (TJK) to reach the podium. It was a tough contest for Alexis Mathieu, under the incredible pressure of Ustopiryon, but Mathieu dealt with it very well, scoring a strong waza-ari with a powerful ura-nage after Komronshokh Ustopiriyon released the pressure too early. The last seconds were long for the French athlete, but in the end he won his first medal in a grand slam.
Peter Safrany (HUN) and Mansur Lorsanov (AIN) still had to decide for a medal. With a waza-ari scored from a counter-attack, Safrany took the lead and kept the score alive until the gong to win his first medal in a grand slam as well, like Mathieu did just before. The new generation is coming.
Peter Safrany (HUN) and Mansur Lorsanov (AIN) still had to decide for a medal. With a waza-ari scored from a counter-attack, Safrany took the lead and kept the score alive until the gong to win his first medal in a grand slam as well, like Mathieu did just before. The new generation is coming.