ABU DHABI // Nathiely Melo de Jesus capped a remarkable season on Friday when she became the women’s black belt world No 1 after reaching the 90-kilogram final at the ninth Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
The 21-year-old Brazilian won gold in the brown belt at the World Pro 12 months ago and said that to win the gold in the black belt was the icing on the cake.
“I’m very excited to achieve this feat of world No 1 in my first year as a black belt,” De Jesus said.
“I had to stop my studies on a physical education degree, temporarily, to train for this.
“I travelled a lot and took part in all five Grand Slam events to achieve this feat.
“What more can I say? I am extremely happy that all my hard work and time spent on training has been rewarded.”
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De Jesus came up against American Tara White in her first fight, which she won by two advantage points before winning the next two by submissions.
“The first fight was the most difficult for me,” she said. “She is a very strong fighter and it was also my first fight. So, I found it a bit hard.
“The other two were comparatively easier but that was only because I was in a better situation in those two fights.”
The big surprise of the day was Mackenzie Dern pulling out of the 55kg women’s black belt after failing to make the weight. It was a surprise given the American had won her weight division during the past two years.
Beatriz Mesquita will be gunning for her third gold medal in the women’s black belt 62kg today after reaching the final.
Mesquita is fifth in the world ranking after missing out on the Grand Slam events, but she said winning gold in the World Pro was more important than ranking points.
“I have taken part in every World Pro since it was established in 2009, and it has been my goal every year,” Mesquita said, adding she did not take part in Grand Slams “as it involved lot of travelling.
“Perhaps, I may try for it next year to be the world No 1.”
But then she said made it clear that “the World Pro has been my main focus.
“I have won gold three times and was the losing finalist three times. But I have been on the podium at every World Pro.”
Mesquita also said she was astonished by how much the event has grown over the years.
“It is now the best in the world and a championship every elite player wants to take part. There is good prize money, too,” she said.
“It’s like crazy here. The other day I was in a mall for lunch and I was on TV. It was an amazing feeling.”
Mesquita, 26, will complete 21 years in the sport in June and said she will continue to compete for as long as she can.
apassela@thenational.ae
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