Ivaylo Ivanov flips the -90 kg final in Abu Dhabi

Ivaylo Ivanov of Bulgaria produced a determined turnaround to take the -90 kg title in Abu Dhabi. In a final that initially swung towards Moldova’s Mihail Latisev, Ivanov recovered from a significant deficit with two decisive scores.

Nemanja Majdov of Serbia, a world and European champion, arrived in strong form but did not claim the Abu Dhabi title. That left the division open for other contenders, and Ivanov and Latisev earned their places in the gold-medal contest after impressive morning performances.

Latisev started the final with control. Ivanov made an error that allowed the Moldovan judoka to secure a hold for yuko, before Latisev added Waza-ari with Seoi-otoshi after Ivanov escaped. Ivanov was suddenly chasing the contest.

The Bulgarian did not accept that position for long. He answered with a well-placed Ko-uchi-gake for Waza-ari, bringing himself back into the match. Soon afterwards, Ivanov used Seoi-otoshi to add a second score and complete the comeback against Latisev.

Ivanov turned a difficult final into a gold-medal finish with two Waza-ari scores.

After the final, Ivanov credited his first coach, club and family for continuing to support him. He also reflected on injuries from the previous year and said that his coaches’ belief helped him keep competing. For Ivanov, the result carried personal meaning as well as sporting value, with Abu Dhabi described by him as a special place.

The bronze-medal contests also delivered tense finishes. Mansur Lorsanov of Russia and Adam Kopecky of the Czech Republic were level through five minutes of fighting time, including one minute of golden score, both carrying two Shido. After almost three minutes of golden score in total, Lorsanov’s greater activity left Kopecky with a third penalty.

In the other bronze-medal contest, Italy’s Kenny Komi Bedel faced fellow Italian Christian Parlati, with both athletes representing the same club. Their respectful contest remained scoreless until Bedel secured the only score one minute into extra time.

Ivanov finished first, followed by Latisev. Lorsanov and Bedel completed the -90 kg podium, while Kopecky and Parlati were listed fifth.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation