Abu Dhabi: Australia’s Samantha Garces, on her maiden tour abroad for a jiu-jitsu tournament, made it count by beating some of the best in business to clinch gold in the Blue Juvenile 63kg category at the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Youth Championship at the IPIC Arena on Sunday.
Displaying the renowned Aussie fighting quality, she defeated Hannah Goldstein of Canada on points 3-0. Goldstein was in tremendous form till then, having beaten UAE’s Hassa Saeed Al Mazrouei by submission in the semis and Alexia Pavia of Angola 4-2 in the quarters.
However, in the final the Canadian failed to match the grit and power of the Aussie from the Sydney Jiu-Jitsu Academy.
“This is my first international medal and I’m extremely delighted with my performance. It was a tough fight and very technical. I’m the first one to get a medal for my gym and that feels great,” said Garces, who is here in the capital with a small contingent of seven fighters.
Though the sport is still in infancy in Australia, Garces is already dreaming big having taken giants strides straight away on her debut.
“There are not many girls who are into jiu-jitsu in Australia but there are many guys who are into the sport. I have been training jiu-jitsu for six years now. I would like to return here next year and try and win the title in the adult category,” said the 17-year-old, whose goal is to start her own gymnasium back home.
Goldstein was happy to take pride from the fact that she lost to a worthy opponent in the finals and in the category where she is just a month old.
“Samantha is an amazing competitor and it was an honour to compete against her in the fight for gold. I knew it was going to be tough for me as I got the blue belt just last month. I’m happy that I was able to compete in such an amazing competition and in the end walk away with a medal,” said Goldstein, who is also on her first visit to the capital.
“I’m only 15 and I have two more years in the youth and, hopefully, I can comeback here next year and clinch the title. It is certainly my goal, now that I have come this far. I have gained a lot of experience from this tournament and have learnt some good lessons. I will come back stronger,” added Goldstein.
UAE’s Al Hanaei sisters are also making steady progress in their respective categories. The youngest of the three siblings — Hana won gold by defeating compatriot Dana Nabeel Al Aaydroos while Mahra also made it to the finals in the her category. Elder sister Maha will be competing in the adult division where she is debuting in blue belt.
“I’m extremely pleased with my win. I just hope my sisters will also go on to win gold. They have also worked really hard and I want them to win,” said a beaming Maha.
In the female blue belt juvenile 82kg division, South African Dominique de Beer was at her dominant best. De Beer, who won at the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu festival earlier this week, was once again on a roll — toying with her opponents.
With the height clearly being a huge advantage, De Beer’s bout lasted not more than few second at times. The final was done and dusted in less than 12 seconds as UAE’s Ahlam Khaled Al Shkeili was outclassed by submission.
“My fights were very good. I set a new record for myself wining in 12 seconds. I was not surprised with my final bout, but it will be interesting when I get to the adults category next year,” said De Beer, who trains at the Al Forsan Ladies Club here in Abu Dhabi.
Select Results Female Juvenile: Blue 82kg: Gold: Dominique De Beer (South Africa) Al Forsan Club, Silver: Ahlam Khaled Alshkeili (UAE) ADF 25- Um Al Emarat School, Bronze: Hamda Hamad Aldhaheri (UAE) AAF 18 — Al Jahili School; Blue 63 Kgs: Gold: Samantha Garces (Australia) Sydney Jiu-Jitsu Academy, Silver: Hannah Goldstein (Canada) Renzo Gracie Academy Ottawa, Hasa Saeed Al Mazrouei (UAE) Al Dhafra Jiu-Jitsu Club; Blue 57kg: Gold: Aneta Pokorná (Czech Republic) Copacabana Fight Club, Silver: Batkhishig Basanjav (Mongolia) Garuda, Bronze: Darlene Abrantes (Angola) Z1 Academy; Blue 48kg: Gold: Wadima Saeed Alyafei (UAE) Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club, Silver: Aysha Mohammed Al Dhaheri (UAE) AAF 18 — Al Jahili School, Bronze: Hayfa Al Marzooqi (UAE) Abu Dhabi Female Team; Blue 44kg: Gold: Salamah Khalid Al Mansoori (UAE) AGF 04- Al Mottahida School, Silver: Latifa Ali Al Shamsi (UAE) AAF 17 — Maryam Bint Sultan School, Bronze: Aysha Ali Alhassani (UAE) AAF 17 — Maryam Bint Sultan School.
