The third day of the individual contest at Junior World Judo Championships 2018 will host another set of four weigh classes: -63kg, -70kg, -81kg and -90kg category. On this day, the total number of 130 judoka are expected to compete.
The number two seed of the -63kg category is Sanne VERMEER (NED). The Dutch judoka won silver last year at the Junior Worlds and has also claimed the Junior European title in 2017. Gili SHARIR (ISR) has not only excelled at Junior stage already but also at the Senior level. Her latest medal pick was from the Hohhot Grand Prix 2018. Since Sharir focused more on the senior stage lately, she will not be seeded in Nassau. Others to watch out for will be Junior European bronze medallists, Emilia KANERVA (FIN), Dena POHL (GER) and Anja OBRADOVIC (SRB). This particular weight division is considered to be a strong medal potential for Europe. The -70kg category will see a full podium visit from the 2018 Junior European Judo Championships. This includes current Junior European Champion, Alice BELLANDI (ITA); silver medallist, Margit DE VOOGD (NED); bronze medallists, Marlene GALANDI (GER) and Mariam TCHANTURIA (GEO). Last year’s Junior Worlds saw a full set of European judoka on the podium of the -70kg category. It will be down to the total number of 14 European athletes to conquer the World stage once again.
The exact same goes for the -81kg category where Georgia doubles their chances by 2018 Junior European Champion, Luka MAISURADZE and silver medallist, Tato GRIGALASHVILI. Italy will seek success again by Christian PARLATI, who was one of the bronze medallist at the 2017 Junior World Championships. Parlati is currently number two seed for this tournament. To conclude all potential medal hopes, must mention Junior European bronze medallist, Murad FATIYEV (AZE). The -90kg category received the total number of 32 entries with Junior European bronze medallist, TOTH Apor (HUN) amongst top seeds. Toni MILETIC (BIH) might not be the most decorated judoka when it comes to his medal tally, however, the 19-year-old judoka indeed has the qualities required to pinch a spot on the podium. Can he flourish his full potential at the Bahamas? The story is fairly similar for 18-year-old, Lasha BEKAURI (GEO). This particular weigh category was dominated by overseas in 2017 with the only European medallist being Eduard TRIPPEL of Germany. This year, his team mates, current Junior European Champion, Falk PETERSILKA (GER) and number five seed, Tim SCHMIDT (GER) will aim to fill up Trippel’s shoes at the Imperial Ballroom.
The tournament is scheduled to begin at 10:00am local time, however this can change according to final entries. For all information, including any changes, follow us on our social media channels. Also to remind you that you can follow all action live online via judobase.org. Good luck to all participants!
