Buchard unveils potential in Abu Dhabi

The final of the Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi U48kg opposed 2013 Junior World Championships bronze medallist Amandine Buchard (FRA) and Qingdao Grand Prix winner Alesya Kuznetsova (RUS). Particularly powerful with her own version of kata-guruma without grabbing the leg, the young French judoka, 18, stunned all her opponents. Less active, Kuznetsova, 21, was penalised twice for passivity, giving a small advantage to Buchard.

Despite a very last attempt of the Russian to immobilise the French, Buchard won the first major senior international event of her young career.

The first bronze medal was won by Valentina Moscatt (ITA) against Kimberley Renicks (GBR). The second bronze medal went to Mongolia and to the current World Champion Munkhbat Urantsetseg (MGL) who defeated Amelie Rosseneu (BEL). With no surprise, the current world champion Munkhbat Urantsetseg (MGL) qualified for the semi-final, where she was opposed to the young French national champion, Amandine Buchard (FRA), who had a first tough fight during the preliminary rounds. Led by waza-ari against Kristina Rumyantseva (RUS), she waited until the last 30 seconds to finally launch a powerful shoulder movement for ippon. To qualify for the semi-final, the French defeated Valentina Moscatt (ITA).

Well inspired and in very good condition, Buchard continued on her way to the final. After five minutes of golden score, she finally defeated the world champion, who was disqualified for a direct leg grab. In the second half of the draw, Kimberley Renicks (GBR) had a hard time to defeat Amelie Rosseneu (BEL) by yuko after two minutes of golden score, to enter the semi-final. It was much easier for Alesya Kuznetsova (RUS) who scored ippon with a precise combination of ippon and ko-uchi-gari and then defeated the British athlete to enter the final.