Tasoev Controls the +100 kg Final as Sordyl Keeps His Medal Run Alive

The men’s +100 kg division brought the 2026 Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam to a powerful finish, and Inal Tasoev (RUS) once again looked like the man everyone was chasing. The current double world champion set the tone early in the day and never seemed willing to let the category drift away from him.

In the final, Tasoev faced Ushangi Kokauri (AZE), the 2018 world silver medallist. This time the contest was tighter than some of Tasoev’s earlier matches, with the Russian heavyweight managing the fight carefully and staying more reserved in his attacks.

That approach worked. Tasoev protected a single Yuko advantage through to the end, showing not just control but a sharp sense of timing and match management. It was not the wildest final of the day, but it was a clear reminder of how hard he is to break down when he gets in front.

With that victory, Tasoev secured his eleventh Grand Slam gold medal. It was another major result for one of the standout heavyweights on the World Judo Tour, built on discipline as much as power.

After the final, Tasoev said he was happy with his performance and spoke warmly about the crowd’s energy and support. He also said that, after many years competing at this level, attention now motivates him rather than distracting him, and he appreciated the positive reaction to his team’s performances on social media.

Tasoev did not need a big score to leave a big impression.

There was also a strong European story in the bronze medal contests. Tieman Diaby (FRA) pushed hard against Magomedomar Magomedomarov (UAE), and their match needed extra time before it finally opened. In the first exchange of golden score, Magomedomarov found a counter for the only score of the contest, denying Diaby a place on the podium.

Even in defeat, Diaby stayed in the fight until one small moment decided everything. For Magomedomarov, the bronze marked his second Grand Slam medal, four years after his first.

The second bronze medal match featured two more Europeans, Erik Abramov (GER) and Jakub Sordyl (POL). Sordyl arrived with momentum after winning the Dushanbe Grand Slam the week before, and although he looked the stronger athlete early on, the medal was not settled until the final phase of the contest.

That turning point came in ne-waza. Sordyl took advantage during the transition of the last exchange and held Abramov for Ippon, sealing bronze and making it two Grand Slam medals in two weeks.

Jakub Sordyl’s form is becoming impossible to ignore.

The final standings reflected both Tasoev’s authority at the top and a solid European presence just behind the title fight. Kokauri took silver, while Sordyl joined Magomedomarov on the podium. Diaby and Abramov finished fifth, and Losseni Kone (GER) and Grzegorz Teresinski (POL) were seventh.

For the heavyweights, it was a category shaped by control, patience and one more statement win from Tasoev.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation