Gabrielle ecstatic, and on to the final. Photo: Luca Atalla
The finalists vying for the gold medal and prize money of the Abu Dhabi World Pro in have all been defined for all weight classes.
The Female under-63 kg division is a repeat of the final of the Brazilian qualifiers in Gramado, a match that caused heated debate. Luanna Alzuguir will face Beatriz Mesquita. In Gramado, with shortened match duration, Bia won. Now the much-awaited showdown will take place.
Bia to face Luanna Alzuguir again. Photo: Luca Atalla
Luanna will have her rematch. Foto: Luca Atalla
In the over-63 kg division, Gabrielle Garcia was up to the tough task of facing Lana Stefanac, and is through to the decider, where she will face Luzia Fernandes.
And the men’s action carries on at a click, too. The absolute purple-to-black-belts category is underway in the UAE and Rafael Mendes started out tapping out Finland’s Janne Pietilainen via armbar. There are 75 athletes in the race to the 20,000 dollar prize money. On one end of the bracket, there are such beasts as Demente, Pé de Chumbo, Vella, Frazatto, Bráulio, Guto, Marko Helen and Ceconi. At the other, Andre Galvão, Alexandre Souza, Durinho, Edmilson Conceicao, Rafa Mendes, Bochecha, Barral, Big Mac and Calasans. There’s nowhere to run!
With his gaze fixed on the matches, Sheikh Mohamad graced the gymnasium with his presence, on the second day of the tournament. With a bad knee, Rodolfo Vieira watches from the sidelines and offers his wager: “Demente takes the Absolute.” By his side, Durinho gives his: “Calsans wins it!”
Luzia will face Gabrielle. Photo: Luca Atalla.
Keep tuned to GRACIEMAG.com for all the happenings in Abu Dhabi.