A day of firsts on day 3 of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam

Day 3 of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam officially brought an end to the 2021 World Judo Tour

Looking ahead to next year, IJF President Marius Vizer and HE Mr Battulga Khaltmaa, Former President of Mongolia, and President of the Mongolian Judo Association, signed the contract for the Mongolian Grand Slam, officially bringing Ulaanbaatar back to the World Judo Tour!

This final day also made history for many, bringing lots of first Grand Slam titles.

In the 100kg final Mongolia’s Odkhuu was up against Vladut Romania's Simionescu.

In a close-fought contest it was Odkhuu who produced a moment of magic with just 29 seconds remaining, earning him his 1st Grand Slam title ever.

Mr Marius Vizer, President of the International Judo Federation awarded the medals.

In the under 90kg category, Russia’s Mansur Lorsanov secured his place in the final thanks to this Ashi Waza technique.

There, he would take a tactical victory, winning him his 1st Grand Slam title.

The medals were awarded by the President of the International Swimming Federation, Mr Husain Al Musallam.

Our woman of the day is Emma Reid of Great Britain. As the winner of the -78kg, she earned her place in the final thanks to this massive Ippon.

In the final she faced Germany’s Boehm, and her Ippon in Golden score would see Reid continue the theme of the day, of 1st Grand Slam titles.

HE Aref Alawani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sport Council was on hand to award the medals.

“With me it’s a big thing about belief, and self confidence,” says Reid. “So, this will really help me in 2022 and the start of qualification in May. So yeah, it’s going to be good!”

In the under 100kg competition, Arman Adamian of Russia was on fire all day.

In the final, he would prevail victorious over his