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The -100kg category is led by the Olympic final titans; Zelym KOTSOIEV (AZE) and Ilia SULAMANIDZE (GEO). It was a fairytale for Kotsoiev who won back to back gold medals in the World Championships and Olympic Games, but the work hasn’t stopped there for the world ranked number one, and he is returning to competition in Podgorica. Of course it was a tougher comeback for Sulamanidze, who also attempted a comeback on home soil in Tbilisi but seemed not the right time with in an early exit. In 2023 and 2024, he took senior European Championship silver medals, now he’s only coming for gold.
Arman ADAMIAN (IJF) is pulling in as the #3 seed, and it’s been a while since he has been on top form, nevertheless he has been collecting points from Grand Slam bronze medals in Abu Dhabi, Paris and Tbilisi which has kept him up in the world ranking! On the other hand, it feels to be time for Anton SAVYTSKIY (UKR) who topped the podium most recently in Tbilisi and gave a convincing performance in the Upper Austria Grand Prix.
It has been a while since we saw Olympic fifth place, Daniel EICH (SUI) on the big stage, and it was a tricky comeback for him in the Dubrovnik Cup earlier in the month, but it’s good to see him back! The 2022 European Champion and last years bronze medallist, Michael KORREL (NED) is also back in the game. Following the Paris Olympics he returned to dominate the category and win the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam.
Gennaro PIRELLI (ITA) is arguably one of the more exciting stars in the category, and has such a style that causes huge inconvenience for his opponents, much like the next contender in the line up, Jorge FONSECA (POR). Both are ballistic in their efforts and can guarantee an exciting contest. Pirelli began his senior collection last year in Zagreb, to add to his U23 title from 2021.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen