Qualifying in Rio de Janeiro defines the last spots in the brazilian team in 2010

The last spots in the Brazilian Judo Team will be disputed this Saturday (17), in Rio de Janeiro, at the Geraldo Bernardes Gymnasium, at 10am. Eight athletes are fighting for four places in the -81kg, -70kg, -90kg and +100kg categories. The winners will guarantee a place in the Grand Slam in Rio de Janeiro and in the World Cup in São Paulo, both events are part of the World Circuit of the International Judo Federation.

Natalia Bordignon will face Gláucia Lima for the -70kg spot. Meanwhile, in the men’s categories, there will be three spots up for grabs. The Luna brothers, Guilherme and Rodrigo, will dispute the -81kg, while Felipe Oliveira and Renan Nunes fight for the -90kg. Amongst the heavy weights (+100kg), the world medalist João Gabriel Schlittler fill face David Moura.

Away from the tatami since July 2009, João Gabriel, bronze medal in the World Championship 2007, wants to be back in the Brazilian team. The judoka has begun training again 15 days ago, after having his left shoulder operated on three months ago.

“I have been doing the most that I can to guarantee a place in the team and I know that the fight with David will be tough, because I haven’t competed in a long time. However, I feel that now is the time to use my experience and be psychologically prepared”, said João Gabriel.

Event: Brazilian Judo Team Qualifying
Place: Geraldo Bernardes Gymnasium (Estrada São Pedro Alcântara, 2020 – Vila Militar – Deodoro)
Time: 10am