Shamil Borchashvili secured victory in the class up to 81 kg at the Judo Grand Prix in Linz and thus achieved his first triumph on the World Tour!
The Austrian Olympic bronze medalist won Friday’s final against surprise Ukrainian Mikhail Swidrak, who had previously beaten Shamil’s younger brother Wachid in the semifinals. Wachid then lost the Bronze bout, as did Magdalena Krssakova in the 63kg class. Top seed Shamil Borchashvili had a surprisingly hard time in his first bout before overcoming Switzerland’s Aurelien Bonferroni after seven minutes. This was followed by victories against Alibar Mukischew (KAZ), Victor Sterpu (MDA) and José Maria Mendiola Izquieta (ESP). In the final there were three penalties against the world number 120. Swidrak tipped the scales in favor of Borchashvili. “Proud to have won here today in front of my mum!” “I’m really proud to have won here today in front of my mum.” That’s very special. From a purely emotional point of view, the home Grand Prix is comparable to a World Championship for me. I really wanted to do better at home than last time in Doha. The World Cup was a huge disappointment for me,” explained the 27-year-old from Upper Austria, who was eliminated in Doha right at the start. His little brother Wachid had to admit defeat to Georgian Dimitri Gochilaidze by ippon in the bronze medal match. Also because of Ippon, Krssakowa missed a place on the podium against Prisca Awiti Alcaraz.
