Amman, Jordan, June 12, 2023: Jordanian star Saleh El Sharabaty struck gold at the opening leg of the World Taekwondo Grand Prix in the Italian capital Rome on Sunday, June 11.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics silver medallist won the gold medal in the men’s under-80 kilograms division, defeating Iran’s Mehran Barkhordari in a closely contested final, 2-1.
It was Jordan’s first medal in the first round of the World Taekwondo Grand Prix this season. It was also El Sharabaty’s third medal in the championships having previously won a gold medal in Sofia, Bulgaria in 2019 and a silver medal in Moscow, Russia in 2018.
El Sharabaty began his campaign in Rome with a sightseeing visit of all the tourist hotspots with his Jordanian teammates, including a visit to the world-renowned Trevi Fountain, symbol of the Eternal City. Having taken in the ancient Roman craftsmanship, an inspired El Sharabaty swiftly mopped up his opponents starting from the round of 32.
In the last four, he met Korean Seo Geon Woo, who had knocked out world champion and home favourite Simone Alessio in the quarterfinals. El Sharabaty defeated his Korean opponent in three rounds to reach the final.
El-Sharabaty’s gold medal took Jordan’s medal tally in the history of Grand Prix championships to 12, comprised of five gold medals, four silvers and three bronze medals.
