Petru Pelivan Breaks Through for First IJF Gold

Petru Pelivan secured his first IJF tournament gold medal in the -81 kg Judo competition in Abu Dhabi, overcoming Finland’s Eetu Ihanamaki in a hard-fought final. The Moldovan judoka created the decisive early advantage and then protected it under pressure until the end.

Pelivan made the first score of an energetic contest. Chasing Ihanamaki, he worked his opponent into the right position for a small Ashi-waza and earned a yuko. From there, the Finnish judoka found it difficult to close the distance and create a clear opening.

Pelivan’s route to the top step was not without tension. He received two Shido while defending his lead, but stayed ahead as the clock ran down. Ihanamaki kept trying to find a way back into the contest, yet Pelivan held firm to finish first.

Pelivan’s first IJF gold came after a composed defensive finish.

After the final, Pelivan said he felt fulfilled by the result, describing it as his first gold medal at an IJF tournament. He pointed to a different approach to preparation and motivation, while also making clear that this medal is not his ultimate target.

The bronze medal contests produced two strong European performances. Georgia’s Dimitri Gochilaidze defeated Abdul-Kerim Tasuev after a rapid start, scoring Waza-ari with a counter in the opening 30 seconds. Less than a minute later, Gochilaidze added a second score with his own direct attack to take the medal and the Olympic ranking points he had targeted.

Slovenia’s Igor Tsurkan also claimed bronze, earning his first grand slam medal against Zhalgas Kairolla. Tsurkan looked confident from the beginning and opened his scoring with Waza-ari from Seoi-otoshi. He then countered Kairolla’s Seoi-otoshi attempt to secure the result decisively.

Pelivan finished ahead of Ihanamaki, with Gochilaidze and Tsurkan sharing the bronze medals. The medals, cheques and flowers were presented by Moldova Judo Federation Vice President Victor Florescu and UAE Judo Federation General Secretary Mohamed Jassem.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation