-90 kg: Ivanov Comes Back From the Brink

FInal: Ivaylo Ivanov (BUL) vs Mihail Latisev (MDA)

Following excellent performances in the morning session, Ivaylo Ivanov and Mihail Latisev stepped forward to fight for gold. From the outset the latter appeared to have the measure of his opponent; a hold secured a yuko score after a mistake from Ivanov and a seoi-otoshi that came after Ivanov’s escape delivered a waza-ari to the Moldovan to extend his lead.

Ivaylo Ivanov is not someone who settles for the run of play and a change in gear saw him earn his own waza-ari with a well placed ko-uchi-gake. He followed it up soon after with a seoi-otoshi of his own to double his score and take the win out of the pocket of potential defeat.

Ivanov shared his thoughts after the final, "I feel very good, working with my first coach and club again. Sometimes they believe in me more than I believe in myself. After many injuries last year, I'm still competing and I hope to see you in Los Angeles. I want to thank my family for pushing me and show my children to never give up, no matter my age. I made a mistake but my coach kept me going, reminding me to keep doing my job because everything comes if you continue. Abu Dhabi is a lucky and special place for me."

Bronze medal contest: Mansur Lorsanov (RUS) vs Adam Kopecky (CZE)

This contest remained totally even for the first five minutes of fighting time, including a minute of golden score. With two penalties apiece, each was in their own precarious position and any mistake could signal the loss of a grand slam medal.

Attacks came from both judoka and each was sincere but after almost three minutes of extra time, Mansur Lorsanov was proven to be more active, leaving Kopecky with three penalties and no medal.

Bronze medal contest: Kenny Komi Bedel (ITA) vs Christian Parlati (ITA)

Two charismatic competitors who not only come from the same country but the same club; what a tough situation for both Bedel and Parlati. A little reluctance at the beginning turned into an interesting fight in the end with Kenny Komi Bedel earning the only score, a minute into extra time. Fighting a friend is hard both the approach was respectful throughout and the judo family is always happy to see that.