Antoine Bouchard (right)

Montreal, March 9, 2019 (Sportcom) – Judoka Antoine Bouchard stood on the third step of the podium in -73 kg for the first Grand Prix medal of his career on Saturday in Marrakech, in Morocco.

The Saguenay-native won the bronze after defeating French Guillaume Chaine. “I knew he was very physical and I didn’t want him to interlock me, explained Bouchard after the event. I also knew I was in better physical shape, so I wanted to tire him out.”

Antoine Bouchard started off with three wins in a row, against Jorge Fernandes, Giyosjon Boboev, and Georgios Azoidis. He then lost against Bilal Ciloglu, but came back strong with two victories to grab the bronze.

“I had a little trouble with my shoulder during the day, but in general, it was positive,” said Bouchard, however indicating that he mostly felt the pain between his fights and it had little impact on the results of his bouts.

Antoine Bouchard will be coming back to Canada to prepare for the Pan American Championships held in Lima, in Peru, on April 25-27.

Fifth Place for Valois-Fortier

In -81 kg, Antoine Valois-Fortier barely missed the podium.

After four victories, the Quebecois was defeated by Bulgarian Ivaylo Ivanov in the semifinal.

Valois-Fortier then tried to win a bronze medal against Damian Szwarnowiecki, an opponent he had defeated earlier in the day. This time, the Polish took revenge and had the upper hand.

“I’m happy to have won several fights for the first time since my surgery, but really disappointed by my performance in the bronze-medal fight. I wasn’t focused,” said Valois-Fortier about his bout, during which he was thrown twice.

Antoine Valois-Fortier will be bouncing back next weekend at the Ekaterinbourg Grand Slam, in Russia.

In the same category, Étienne Briand was eliminated by Sharofiddin Boltaboev after defeating Oussama Hadjam, from Qatar.

Gueorgui Poklitar Wins Silver in Peru

Gueorgui Poklitar (-60 kg) is leaving the Lima Pan American Open, in Peru, with a silver medal around his neck. The 22-year-old started off strong with three victories in as many fights.

However, he was defeated in the finale by Columbian John Futtinico.

Julien Frascadore Eliminated in Repechage

Julien Frascadore (-66 kg) was in action at the European Judo Cup in Uster, in Switzerland. The Quebecois ended with a score of two victories and two losses.

After being defeated in the second round, Frascadore won his first bout in repechage against Swiss Rey Baehler. He was then eliminated by Italian Luigi Brudetti, who ranked in fifth place.

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Written by Sportcom for Judo Canada
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