First day of the Grand Slam in Abu Dhabi with Russia, strictly signed IJF, which obtained three first places, a second place and two fifth places, however Germany leads the medal table with a first and a fifth place. Important experience for Biagio D’Angelo in the 60 kg and Luca Caggiano in the 66 kg even if the race was interrupted respectively with the Russian Gamzat Zairbekov (IJF) for three sanctions and with the Kazakh Adilbek Berikuly (Kaz) for a shime waza on the chin.
“After the Olympics the big events return – was the comment of Domenico D’Angeloteam-official of the delegation – and Abu Dhabi, in my point of view, is certainly one of these. In the race today were Biagio D’angelo and Luca Caggiano who didn’t shine, despite demonstrating that they have what it takes to compete with the big boys. Biagio returned to the 60 kilogram category after a year and a half in the 66, testing the work of the last few months, first in Prague with an almost perfect Open and his usual judo fantasy, he returned to the podium, and now, with this appointment, who despite the defeat against the Russian Zairbekov, demonstrated that he worked well with his Fiamme Oro group and that he wants to return among the greats. Luca, an athlete from the Carabinieri sports group, was equally brilliant and has a great desire to demonstrate and to dream big.”
“The road is still long,” he said Luca Caggiano– obviously the result is not what I’m working for, but my time will come. I thank my family and all the people who are close to me on my journey.”
“Abu Dhabi was my first big event after two years away from the category – he commented Biagio D’Angelo– it certainly didn’t go as I hoped, but I certainly drew some positive aspects from this defeat which give me hope for the next races.”
Tomorrow it is the turn of the other three Italian athletes competing: Leonardo Valeriani in the 73 kg, Vincenzo Pelligra in the 81 kg and Carlotta Avanzato in the 63 kg.
>>> FIRST DAY RESULTS
