Lo was the big name of the event in Bauru, taking home 3,000 reais. Photos: publicity.
With a packed gymnasium and over 500 athletes locking horns in combat on the mats, the Open Centro-Oeste Paulista (“Midwestern São Paulo Open”) brought top-flight Jiu-Jitsu to the town of Bauru last weekend.
“It was a hit; lots of big names from the gentle art came to our region and the fighters shone brilliantly in the gi. The black belt standout was Leandro Lo, winner of the absolute division. At purple belt, props to João Miyao, who won the lightweight and absolute divisions and took home a 700-real reward,” reported event promoter Fábio Marmontel.
In the female division, in the absence of Gabi Garcia, the absolute purple/brown/black finalists were Luiza Monteiro (CheckMat) and Talita Treta (Ryan Gracie), a battle between the world lightweight runner-up and world medium heavyweight champion. Lighter but more experienced, Luiza took top honors.
“Luiza came out on top with an advantage point and was rewarded with 1,500 reais,” added Fábio.
In the grand absolute black belt finale, lightweight Leandro Lo (Cícero Costha) outpointed middleweight Adriana Silva (Barbosa JJ), last year’s winner. With the win Leandro took the 3,000-real prize.
Luiza Monteiro overcame world champion Treta in São Paulo.