Ricardo Evangelista claimed gold at the Al Ain International Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship over the weekend despite competing with a broken toe.
Evangelista, 32, overcame two fellow Brazilians, defeating Luiz Nepomuceno 9-4 on points and twice beating Rodrigo Silva, firstly 8-4 in the four-man league and then 10-4 in the final.
There will be no time to rest for the Abu Dhabi-based Evangelista, though, with the Brazilian insisting he still plans to take part in the Russian National Pro Championship on November 4 and the Italian National Pro six days later.
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2018 UAE jiu-jitsu season to kick off with double-header in Abu Dhabi
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“I competed in Al Ain with the injury and won,” he said of the hairline fracture to his small toe which he sustained a week before the competition.
“It’s a bit painful but that’s behind me when I enter the mat. I feel fine to go ahead with my plans and compete in both Russia and Italy, and then head for the Grand Slam Rio de Janeiro from November 16 to 18 in my home town.
“The competitions in Al Ain, Russia and Italy are part of my preparation for the Grand Slam Rio,” added the Brazilian jiu-jitsu instructor, who has also been carefully managing a back injury for the last two years.
“At the moment it seems OK. I feel I have recovered sufficiently and want to compete in every major competition. After Rio, the plan is to compete in the Dubai Pro International (on December 28-29) and the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam (January 10-12). I want to do the full circuit and see where I reach.”
Evangelista is currently ranked No 32 in the world. He missed out on the opening Grand Slam Tokyo in July, but won a bronze in the King of Mat at Los Angeles - a competition for winners of Grand Slam events which preceded the LA Grand Slam on September 23-24.
The Brazilian men scooped all seven golds in the black belt open division in Al Ain, but world champion Larissa Paes suffered a shock defeat to Jordanian Yara Kakish by advantage points 3-1 in the women’s 70kg final.
Maha Al Hanaei clinched gold in the women’s purple belt 62kg after beating Brazilian Josilma Viera, by advantage points 3-0 in the final.
Her younger sibling, Asian Games silver medallist Mahra Al Hanaei, bagged her third successive gold when taking the juvenile blue belt 57kg final over compatriot Al Mazrouei by submission.
Also on the podium were the UAE’s Asian Games representative blue belts Wadima Al Yafei (49kg), Hessa Al Shamsi (55kg) and Bashayer Al Matrooshi (63-juvenile).
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
Freezer tips
- Always make sure food is completely cool before freezing.
- If you’re cooking in large batches, divide into either family-sized or individual portions to freeze.
- Ensure the food is well wrapped in foil or cling film. Even better, store in fully sealable, labelled containers or zip-lock freezer bags.
- The easiest and safest way to defrost items such as the stews and sauces mentioned is to do so in the fridge for several hours or overnight.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
Other simple ideas for sushi rice dishes
Cheat’s nigiri
This is easier to make than sushi rolls. With damp hands, form the cooled rice into small tablet shapes. Place slices of fresh, raw salmon, mackerel or trout (or smoked salmon) lightly touched with wasabi, then press, wasabi side-down, onto the rice. Serve with soy sauce and pickled ginger.
Easy omurice
This fusion dish combines Asian fried rice with a western omelette. To make, fry cooked and cooled sushi rice with chopped vegetables such as carrot and onion and lashings of sweet-tangy ketchup, then wrap in a soft egg omelette.
Deconstructed sushi salad platter
This makes a great, fuss-free sharing meal. Arrange sushi rice on a platter or board, then fill the space with all your favourite sushi ingredients (edamame beans, cooked prawns or tuna, tempura veggies, pickled ginger and chilli tofu), with a dressing or dipping sauce on the side.
Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
