Faisal Al Ketbi wins another silver medal ahead of Abu Dhabi World Professional Championships

At Grand Slam London, the UAE won nine gold, five silver, and two bronze medals. Yahya Al Mansouri took gold for the Emiratis in the Brown Masters-1 Open division. It was his third gold after Los Angeles and Rio, writes Amith Passela.

UAE jiu-jitsu fighter Faisal Al Ketbi grabbed his second silver on Saturday at the Grand Slam London, the fourth and final leg of the Abu Dhabi World Tour after Tokyo, Los Angeles, and Rio de Janeiro. Mona Al Marzooqi/ The NationalShow less

After racking up two silver medals from four Jiu-Jitsu Grand Slam appearances, Faisal Al Ketbi believes he has reached the optimum level in one year since being elevated to the black belt.

The Emirati grabbed his second silver on Saturday at the Grand Slam London, the fourth and final leg of the Abu Dhabi World Tour after Tokyo, Los Angeles, and Rio de Janeiro.

Al Ketbi was stopped by Brazilian Erberth Santos Mesquita in the 94-kilogramme final after his semi-final victory over Marksmilian Wismewski of Poland on advantage points 2-1 earned from a take down and a mount.

“I think I can take a lot of positives forward from this result, this being my first year in the black belt,” said Al Ketbi, who also won a silver at the Grand Slam Tokyo on August 29.

“All the competitors in the black belt have been around longer than me in the circuit. So for me, it’s more of gaining experience but I’m reasonably happy with my progress.

“The London event was also my final competition ahead of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Championships. It was a good feeling to reach the final and I am now looking ahead for the Abu Dhabi event.”

The ninth staging of the Abu Dhabi World Pro will be April 15-24 at the IPIC Arena at the Zayed Sports City.

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In London, the UAE won nine gold, five silver, and two bronze medals from the 70 finals in various divisions and weight categories.

The most notable of the gold medal-winning performances for the Emiratis came from Yahya Al Mansouri in the Brown Masters-1 Open division. It was his third gold after Los Angeles and Rio.

“It’s been an incredible last two years for me,” Al Mansouri said. “It hasn’t been easy, though. Every competition is a new start and you need to be on top of your game to win.

“I’m happy I have been able to do that and hopefully I can defend my Abu Dhabi title next.”

Read more: Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship: 5,000 fighters from 100 countries will compete

Ricardo Evangelista, the Abu Dhabi-based Brazilian jiu-jitsu instructor, completed a double gold by winning the +94kg and the absolute class, to follow up his Slam double-gold at both Los Angeles and Rio.

Before travelling to London, Evangelista declared the absolute class belt in the World Pro to remain in Abu Dhabi, and he certainly seems to be on course to fulfilling that promise.

Meanwhile at the Al Ain Championships, Leonardo de Pecanha made most of the absent stars taking part at the Grand Slam London to complete a double by winning the black belt +94kg weight and the absolute class.

The competition at the Garden City also drew strong contingents from Colombia, Russia, Chile and Panama, all making use of the opportunity to prepare for next month’s World Pro.

The Colombians were the most successful, returning with a haul of five gold, seven silver and nine bronze medals. The Russians won five gold, five silver and one bronze while the Chileans grabbed two gold.

The Brazilians once again dominated the black belt open division, winning all three prizes for men that were up for grabs.

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