Montreal, November 23, 2019 – Once again, Constantin Gabun showed a lot of character on Saturday at the Osaka Grand Slam, in Japan. The Canadian judoka barely missed the quarterfinals in the -73 kg category after being defeated after almost four minutes in overtime against a crowd’s favourite.

He had previously won against Greek Georgios Azoidis and Russian Oleg Babgoev by ippon before being defeated in a marathon bout against Japanese Arata Tatsukawa. The 21-year-old held his own in regulation time, but in the end, he couldn’t win his long third bout.

“He barely missed the quarterfinals,” said Canadian coach Sasha Mehmedovic. “He fought very well against the Japanese and showed a lot of potential.”

In action in the same category, Arthur Margelidon was defeated in the first round by Kazakh Zhansay Smagulov.

Similar Day for Briand and Valois-Fortier

Two Canadians were fighting in -81 kg. Étienne Briand started out strong by defeating Ukrainian Hievorh Manukian in the first round. His opponent got three penalties, giving Briand the victory. Briand then knew the same fate as his first opponent and lost against Russian Turpal Tepkaev, the eventual bronze medallist.

Antoine Valois-Fortier got a bye through the first round before facing Akmal Murodov, from Tajikistan, and won by ippon. Just like Briand, Valois-Fortier was eliminated after his second match, after facing Japanese Hikaru Tomokiyo.

The only Canadian woman in action on Saturday, Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard, lost against South Korean Mokhee Cho in -63 kg.

“We had less success today and no athlete was able to reach the medal rounds,” commented Sasha Mehmedovic, referring to the bronze medal won by Jessica Klimkait on Friday.

The Osaka Grand Slam will conclude on Sunday with three athletes representing Canada: Zachary Burt (-90 kg), Shady El Nahas (-100 kg) and Kyle Reyes (-100 kg).

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Written by Sportcom for Judo Canada

Information:
Patrick Esparbès
Chief Operating Officer
Judo Canada
(514) 668-6279
p.esparbes@judocanada.org