Tbilisi turns up the heat: Grigalashvili, Bekauri face pressure as Europe’s U70 stars collide

Day three of the European Championships in Tbilisi (Saturday, 18 April) is built for drama: men’s U81kg and U90kg, plus women’s U70kg, all on one packed schedule. For the hosts, it’s a high-stakes moment, with Georgian headliners stepping onto the tatami in front of a crowd that will demand more than just good judo. The atmosphere promises to be loud, tight, and unforgiving.

Men’s U81kg, with 39 athletes, is the kind of division where reputations don’t protect you for long. Tato Grigalashvili arrives as a three-time world champion and one of the sport’s most dominant forces in recent years, carrying the clear home expectation to take back the European title he last held in 2024. But this weight is defined by repeat clashes and razor-thin margins.

Matthias Casse, Olympic bronze medallist and former world champion, remains the key European obstacle, known for decision-making and tactics that can blunt even the most aggressive rhythm. Defending champion Timur Arbuzov also returns with the target on his back, eager to keep hold of his crown after turning 22 on Tuesday.

In U81kg, one mistake can flip the whole bracket.

The depth doesn’t let up. Zelim Tckaev and Vedat Albayrak have proven they can win at this level, while Mihajlo Simin arrives with the mindset of a disruptor rather than a passenger. With so many top-ranked athletes in the draw, every round feels like it has medal weight.

In men’s U90kg (38 athletes), the storyline leans heavily Georgian. Lasha Bekauri, a double Olympic champion, is the ultimate crowd spark: explosive, all-in, and built for big moments. Close by is Luka Maisuradze, world champion and second seed, in form and positioned for a potential final that would settle their perfectly balanced rivalry in front of their own fans.

The rest of the field won’t play along quietly. Maxime-Gaël Ngayap Hambou and Theodoros Tselidis bring Olympic pedigree, and former world champion Nemanja Majdov has the experience to trouble anyone.

Women’s U70kg adds a strong European spotlight. Croatia’s Lara Cvjetko comes in as world number one and top seed, while Hungary’s defending champion Szofi Ozbas is looking to confirm her status after moving up a weight. The bracket is stacked with Olympic medallists Michaela Polleres, Madina Taimazova and Sanne van Dijke, plus names like Elisavet Teltsidou and Aleksandra Andric.

U70kg feels wide open, even with a clear top seed.

And somewhere in that mix is April Fohouo, a fast-rising contender with the kind of momentum that can turn expectations into pressure.

Source: JudoInside